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Installation, Maintenance, and Repair

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
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Median pay

$78,680
Median annual pay for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

4%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

11,300
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

139,400
Estimated U.S. employment for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+5,600
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical education needed to enter Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Reading Comprehension
  2. 2Critical Thinking
  3. 3Monitoring
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Speaking
  6. 6Active Learning

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Mechanical
  2. 2Public Safety and Security
  3. 3Engineering and Technology
  4. 4English Language
  5. 5Transportation
  6. 6Education and Training

Abilities

  1. 1Problem Sensitivity
  2. 2Near Vision
  3. 3Written Comprehension
  4. 4Control Precision
  5. 5Finger Dexterity
  6. 6Information Ordering

Career interests

  1. 1Realistic
  2. 2Conventional
  3. 3Investigative
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Social
  6. 6Artistic

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Cautiousness
  4. 4Integrity
  5. 5Stress Tolerance
  6. 6Perseverance

Work activities

  1. 1Documenting/Recording Information
  2. 2Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  3. 3Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
  4. 4Getting Information
  5. 5Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  6. 6Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Work context

  1. 1Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  2. 2Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  3. 3Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  4. 4Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  5. 5Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  6. 6Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Outlook · hot technologySAP software · hot technologyMicrosoft Word · hot technologyMicrosoft Excel · hot technologyMicrosoft Windows · hot technologyMicrosoft PowerPoint · hot technologyTechnical manual database softwareTechnical Data Management System TDMSSupply system softwarePentagon 2000SQLOperational Data Store ODS software

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.

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