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Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in California
Considering working as an Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in California? Here’s what you need to know. Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems. Excludes “Avionics Technicians” (49-2091).
What do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Make in California?
For a aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in California, wages run about $84,910 per year (or roughly $40.82/hour).Annual wages span from $49,850 at the 10th percentile to $122,870 at the 90th percentile.
| Wage Statistic | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $49,850 | $23.97 |
| 25th percentile | $65,140 | $31.32 |
| Median (50th) | $84,910 | $40.82 |
| 75th percentile | $99,890 | $48.02 |
| 90th percentile | $122,870 | $59.07 |
The location quotient — a measure of how concentrated this occupation is in California compared to the national average — is 0.80, suggesting fewer aircraft mechanics and service technicians per worker than the national average.
National Wage Comparison
Nationally, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a median of $56,998 per year ($27.40/hour), exceeding the California median.
Employment Outlook
There are roughly 585,990 aircraft mechanics and service technicians nationwide. In California alone, around 12,820 people work in this role. That’s higher than the typical state, which employs around 1,560 aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
Top California Metros for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
These are the California metros with the most aircraft mechanics and service technicians in California.
| Metro Area | Number Employed | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | 4,860 | $85,550 |
| San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA | 1,860 | $85,110 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | 1,220 | $80,830 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Fremont, CA | 1,030 | $100,320 |
| Bakersfield-Delano, CA | 680 | $90,220 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | 480 | $82,880 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | 340 | $103,750 |
| Fresno, CA | 320 | $65,710 |
| Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA | 210 | $77,670 |
| Stockton-Lodi, CA | 150 | $84,870 |
| Hanford-Corcoran, CA | 140 | $80,620 |
| Santa Maria-Santa Barbara, CA | 130 | $80,370 |
| San Luis Obispo-Paso Robles, CA | 110 | $78,790 |
| Vallejo, CA | 100 | $89,650 |
| Yuba City, CA | 100 | $95,060 |
| Salinas, CA | 50 | $79,560 |
| Santa Rosa-Petaluma, CA | 50 | $83,130 |
| Redding, CA | 40 | $74,130 |
Top States for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Employment
The table below shows the states where the most aircraft mechanics and service technicians work.
| State | Number Employed |
|---|---|
| Texas | 15,900 |
| Florida | 14,470 |
| California | 12,820 |
| Oklahoma | 8,020 |
| Georgia | 5,950 |
| North Carolina | 5,410 |
| Tennessee | 4,980 |
| Arizona | 4,620 |
| Alabama | 4,600 |
| Washington | 4,230 |
| Illinois | 3,780 |
| Kentucky | 3,450 |
| Ohio | 3,210 |
| New York | 2,940 |
| Michigan | 2,930 |
| Colorado | 2,710 |
| Nevada | 2,300 |
| Minnesota | 2,230 |
| Virginia | 2,220 |
| Utah | 2,010 |
Highest-Paying States for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
These states pay the most for aircraft mechanics and service technicians.
| State | Annual Median Salary |
|---|---|
| New Jersey | $97,730 |
| Nevada | $97,690 |
| Maryland | $97,660 |
| New York | $93,200 |
| Massachusetts | $87,270 |
| Alabama | $86,780 |
| Minnesota | $86,640 |
| Alaska | $85,840 |
| Tennessee | $85,580 |
| Washington | $85,010 |
Skills
Key aircraft mechanics and service technicians skills, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Knowledge Areas
Important knowledge areas for this occupation, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Abilities
Top abilities for aircraft mechanics and service technicians, rated on an importance scale of 0 to 5:
Daily Tasks
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians typically:
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
- Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
- Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
- Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
- Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
- Service and maintain aircraft and related apparatus by performing activities such as flushing crankcases, cleaning screens, and or moving parts.
- Test operation of engines and other systems, using test equipment, such as ignition analyzers, compression checkers, distributor timers, or ammeters.
Work Activities
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
- Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
- Getting Information
- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
- Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
- Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
- Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
- Handling and Moving Objects
- Performing General Physical Activities
Tools & Technology
Common tools and software used in this occupation include: Hot technologies: Microsoft Excel In-demand technologies: Microsoft Office software
What Major Will Prepare You For This Career?
Related college programs include:
Related Careers
Related occupations to aircraft mechanics and service technicians include:
- Aerospace Engineers
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Technicians
- Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
Also Known As
Aerospace Propulsion Jet Engine Mechanic, Aircraft AC Mechanic (Aircraft Air Conditioning Mechanic), Aircraft Accessories Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech), Aircraft Body and Bonded Structure Repairer, Aircraft Cylinder Mechanic, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Engine Mechanic, Aircraft Engine Specialist, Aircraft Engine Technician (Aircraft Engine Tech), Aircraft Equipment Repairer, Aircraft Magneto Mechanic, Aircraft Maintainer, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic.
References
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics — https://www.bls.gov/oes/
- O*NET Online — https://www.onetonline.org/
- BLS Employment Projections — https://www.bls.gov/emp/
- O*NET-SOC code: 49-3011.00
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