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Aircraft mechanic: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 23, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$79,870median pay per year, or $38.40 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $48,780lowest 10% earn less
  2. $62,63025th percentile
  3. $79,870median
  4. $99,13075th percentile
  5. $128,890top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Aircraft mechanics earned a median of $79,870 a year in May 2025, well above the median for all US occupations[1][2]. The typical way in is a postsecondary program rather than a college degree, and jobs are projected to grow 5.4% over the next decade[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
+5.4%[4]
Openings per year
11,400[6]
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award[3]

How much do aircraft mechanics make?

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians had a median wage of $79,870 a year, or $38.40 an hour, in May 2025[1]. Half of workers earned more than that and half earned less[1]. The average (mean) was a bit higher, at $84,740 a year or $40.74 an hour[7].

For comparison, the median across all US occupations was $50,980[2].

Pay varies a lot. A percentile is a boundary, not a starting salary[8]. Here is how the range looked[1][5][9]:

Percentile Per year Per hour
10th $48,780 $23.45
25th $62,630 $30.11
50th (median) $79,870 $38.40
75th $99,130 $47.66
90th $128,890 $61.97

The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $48,780, and the top 10% earned more than $128,890[5]. The middle half earned between $62,630 and $99,130[5].

These figures cover wage and salary workers only. They leave out the self-employed and do not include bonuses outside regular pay or the value of benefits such as health insurance[10]. Self-employment is rare in this job anyway, at 0.8% of workers in 2025[11].

Pay by state and city

New Jersey had the highest state median at $105,370, followed by New York at $102,800 and Maryland at $100,500[12]. Washington ($98,980) and Connecticut ($96,830) came next[12]. At the other end, West Virginia had the lowest median of the 50 states listed, at $45,470[12].

The most jobs are in Texas (16,850), Florida (14,850) and California (12,590), followed by Oklahoma (8,550) and Georgia (6,720)[13]. Texas pairs a large job count with a median of $84,440, above the national figure[12][1].

Looking only at metro areas that have 100 or more jobs, New York-Newark-Jersey City had the highest median at $127,140[14]. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue ($103,900) and Trenton-Princeton, NJ ($101,590) were second and third[14]. Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington had the most jobs of any metro, about 8,000, with a median of $94,920[15]. Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach was next with 6,460 jobs[15].

Show median pay in 50 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
New Jersey[12]$105,3701,900
New York$102,8004,300
Maryland$100,5001,070
Washington$98,9804,480
Connecticut$96,8301,430
Nevada$94,8902,570
Massachusetts$93,0401,410
Alaska$91,1501,470
Hawaii$90,8301,150
California$86,10012,590
New Mexico$84,440860
Texas$84,44016,850
Delaware$83,550240
Oregon$82,8501,080
Alabama$82,2604,310
Virginia$82,2002,260
Colorado$82,0802,690
Minnesota$81,9802,390
Illinois$81,6803,370
Tennessee$81,0404,670
Ohio$80,5702,840
Kansas$80,2701,440
Louisiana$79,7801,150
New Hampshire$79,610190
Pennsylvania$78,0002,080
North Dakota$77,740200
North Carolina$76,9804,700
Florida$76,94014,850
Vermont$76,370160
South Dakota$75,750150
Georgia$75,6406,720
Arizona$75,3005,670
South Carolina$75,1601,660
Michigan$74,9003,380
Mississippi$74,8801,360
Oklahoma$74,3908,550
Wisconsin$73,9301,270
Missouri$71,4701,700
Rhode Island$70,720120
Utah$70,1602,080
Iowa$69,890330
Kentucky$67,9201,680
Maine$67,890190
Arkansas$65,420720
Montana$64,170310
Nebraska$64,020410
Indiana$63,4001,500
Idaho$61,250600
Wyoming$56,680340
West Virginia$45,470590

How to become an aircraft mechanic

BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical education for entry, with no related work experience or on-the-job training required[3]. The training details below come from a BLS handbook profile that covers aircraft mechanics together with avionics technicians and other related jobs[16].

1) Get training. The usual route is an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program, which ends with a certificate of completion[17]. Some of these programs are tied to community colleges, so students can also earn an associate's degree[17]. Others start with a high school diploma or the equivalent and learn the trade on the job or in the military[18]. 2) Qualify for the FAA exams. Candidates must meet minimum age and experience requirements[19]. Finishing an FAA-approved school counts in place of the experience requirement, which speeds up eligibility[19][17]. 3) Earn your ratings. The FAA has one certificate for airframe (body) work and another for powerplant (engine) work[20]. Employers may prefer mechanics who hold both, known as A&P[20]. 4) Work under supervision until certified. FAA rules require that maintenance be done by a certified mechanic or by someone that mechanic supervises[21]. Workers without certification stay under an A&P mechanic until they have the experience to take the exams[22]. 5) Advance with experience. A&P mechanics who meet further requirements can get an Inspection Authorization (IA), which lets them approve many major repairs and alterations[23]. Experienced mechanics may move up to lead mechanic, lead inspector or shop supervisor, and holders of an IA may have the best chances[24].

In an ONET survey of 30 workers, 66% said a post-secondary certificate is needed for the job, 15% said an associate's degree and 10% said a high school diploma[25]. ONET places the job in Job Zone Three, meaning medium preparation is needed[26].

What aircraft mechanics do

Aircraft mechanics find, fix and overhaul problems in aircraft engines and in parts such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems[27]. Common job titles include aircraft maintenance technician, A&P mechanic and aviation maintenance technician[28]. Typical tasks include[29]:

Attention to detail matters, since parts must be adjusted to exact specifications, such as bolts tightened to a set tension[30].

Where they work

The work happens in hangars, repair stations and on airfields, and most of these sites are near major airports[31]. Civilian mechanics who work for the US Armed Forces are based on military installations[31]. Some days are spent outdoors on the airfield and others in climate-controlled shops[32].

The job is physical. Mechanics may crouch, lie on the ground or reach overhead for long stretches[32]. They may also climb ladders or scaffolds, and engine tests bring loud noise and vibration, so ear protection and care against falls are needed[33]. Strict safety rules combined with deadlines can make the work stressful at times[34].

In the wider aircraft and avionics group, 36% of workers were employed in aerospace product and parts manufacturing and 30% in support activities for air transportation in 2025[35]. Most work full time. They may work 8- or 10-hour shifts that can fall on nights, weekends and holidays[36].

Job outlook

BLS expects the number of jobs to rise by 5.4% between 2025 and 2035, which means going from about 140,000 jobs to 147,600[4]. That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations[37]. These projection counts include the self-employed, so they differ from the 138,090 wage and salary jobs counted in the May 2025 wage survey[4][38].

New jobs are only part of the picture. About 11,400 openings are expected each year on average, and these include jobs left open when workers retire or switch fields[6]. Each year, about 3% of workers are expected to leave the labor force and 4.4% to move into another occupation[39].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with pay well above the national median, reached through a postsecondary certificate rather than a four-year degree[1][2][3]. Growth is projected to beat the average for all occupations, and replacement needs add thousands of openings each year[4][37][6]. Pay depends a lot on location, with New Jersey, New York and the New York metro area near the top[12][14]. It suits people who are careful with detail and comfortable with physical work, noise and shifts that can include nights and weekends[30][32][33][36].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an aircraft mechanic make an hour?
The median hourly wage was $38.40 in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $23.45 an hour and the top 10% more than $61.97[9].
What is the highest paying state for aircraft mechanics?
New Jersey had the highest state median, $105,370 a year, followed by New York at $102,800 and Maryland at $100,500[12].
What education do you need to be an aircraft mechanic?
BLS lists a postsecondary nondegree award as the typical entry education[3]. Mechanics typically attend an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program, though some train on the job or in the military after high school[17][18].
Do aircraft mechanics need FAA certification?
FAA rules require maintenance to be done by a certified mechanic or under one's supervision[21]. The FAA offers airframe and powerplant ratings, and employers may prefer mechanics with both (A&P)[20].
Are aircraft mechanics in demand?
Jobs are projected to rise 5.4% between 2025 and 2035, faster than the 3.5% for all occupations, with about 11,400 openings a year[4][37][6].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in the US was $79,870 per year and $38.40 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is projected to grow 5.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 140,000 to 147,600 jobs (a change of +7,500). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: 10th percentile $48,780, 25th percentile $62,630, 75th percentile $99,130, 90th percentile $128,890. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 11,400 openings for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians was $84,740 per year and $40.74 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: 10th percentile $23.45, 25th percentile $30.11, 75th percentile $47.66, 90th percentile $61.97. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS Employment Projections: 0.8% of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  12. Median annual wage for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs: Texas 16,850; Florida 14,850; California 12,590; Oklahoma 8,550; Georgia 6,720. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $127,140; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $103,900; Trenton-Princeton, NJ $101,590; Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD $100,940; Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN $100,610; Lexington Park, MD $100,500; San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA $98,760; Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA $98,300. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians jobs: Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 8,000 (median $94,920); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 6,460 (median $78,260); New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ 5,110 (median $127,140); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 5,020 (median $83,250); Tulsa, OK 4,520; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 3,950 (median $103,900). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians" covers Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  17. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. O*NET 49-3011.00 survey of workers (30 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 66%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 15%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 10%, Some College Courses 8% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  26. O*NET 49-3011.00: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job. O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET description of Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  28. O*NET 49-3011.00 sample job titles reported by workers: Aircraft Maintainer, Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Aircraft Maintenance Tech), Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Restorer, Aircraft Service Technician (Aircraft Service Tech), Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech), Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A and P Mechanic), Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT). O*NET OnLine
  29. O*NET task list for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  30. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians in 2025: Support activities for air transportation 30%; Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 36%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  38. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 138,090 people were employed as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  39. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: 3% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.4% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.