Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Also called: 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
Median pay
$79,870
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$48,780 – $128,890
People employed
138,090
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
- 2.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 3.Are you OK working outdoors in all kinds of weather?
- 4.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 5.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 6.Are you OK repeating the same tasks most of the day?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Work outdoors in all weather
- Long hours on your feet
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (50 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians salary in every state →
What aircraft mechanics and service technicians do
- 01Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- 02Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- 03Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- 04Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- 05Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- 06Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Monitoring
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Transportation
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
- A professional certification is often expected.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from aircraft mechanics and service technicians
- Avionics Technicians92% · +3%
- Ship Engineers85% · +37%
- Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door85% · −7%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment85% · −7%
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians83% · −7%
Change into aircraft mechanics and service technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Avionics Technicians92% · $82,280
- Hydroelectric Plant Technicians82% · $102,040
- Industrial Machinery Mechanics82% · $64,520
- Medical Equipment Repairers82% · $61,660
- Signal and Track Switch Repairers82% · $92,460
Majors that lead here
- Agricultural Mechanics and Equipment/Machine Technology/Technician
- Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
- Aircraft Powerplant Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.