Aircraft Mechanics
Overview
Introduction
Aircraft mechanics examine, service, repair, and overhaul aircraft and aircraft engines. They also repair, replace, and assemble parts of the airframe (the structural parts of the plane other than the power plant or engine). There are about 131,690 aircraft mechanics working in the United States.
Quick Facts
Median Salary
Employment Prospects
Minimum Education Level
Experience
Skills
Personality Traits
Earnings
Although some aircraft mechanics, especially at the entry level and at small businesses, earn little more than the minimum wage, the median annual income for aircraft mechanics was about $62,920 in May 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. The top 10 percent earned more than $97,820, while the bottom 10 percent earned $36,760 or less. In May 2019, Salary.com reported that aircraft me...
Work Environment
Most aircraft mechanics work a five-day, 40-hour week. Their working hours, however, may be irregular and often include nights, weekends, and holidays, as airlines operate 24 hours a day; extra work is required during holiday seasons.
When doing overhauling and major inspection work, aircraft mechanics generally work in hangars with adequate heat, ventilation, and lights. If the hangars ...
Outlook
Employment of aircraft mechanics is expected to grow slower than the average for all occupations through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Some growth will occur as a result of the gradual increase of air travel and the expected retirement of a large number of mechanics in the next decade. However, employment growth will be affected by the use of automated systems that make the a...