Skilled Trades
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Median salary (BLS)
$79,870
10th–90th percentile (BLS)
$49k – $129k
Job outlook
+4% (faster than average)
AI exposure
Early-career check: graduates of the matching programs below typically earn $70,000 ten years after starting college — an early-career figure, vs. the all-experience BLS median above. Source: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard.
Plan a path to Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Education
Typical entry: No degree (trade/license)
Plan my path to this →Typical progression
Junior Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Entry / Junior
$48,780
~2 yrs to advance
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Established
$79,870
~3 yrs to advance
Senior Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Senior
$104,380
Key skills
A typical day
- •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.
Fields of study
Any field
Top colleges for Skilled Trades
Explore all- Purdue University50% admit · $78,000 grad pay
- Ohio State University53% admit · $68,000 grad pay
- Pennsylvania State University55% admit · $70,000 grad pay
Reputation-based selection; stats shown are outcome data per school.