Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing career

Aircraft Mechanic

Also called: Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) · A&P Mechanic · Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic · Aircraft Maintenance Technician

What aircraft mechanics do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.

Updated By the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team
What does an aircraft mechanic do?

Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters (engines, airframes, landing gear, hydraulics and systems) following FAA regulations so every aircraft is airworthy. The median pay is $79,870 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 18–30 months, and employment is projected to grow +5.4% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

  • Median pay
    $79,870
    $38.40/hour · May 2025
  • Job growth
    +5.4%
    2025–35, faster than average
  • Openings per year
    11,400
    Average, 2025–35
  • Typical entry education
    Postsecondary nondegree award
    BLS classification
  • Time to train
    18–30 months
    Typical program length
  • U.S. jobs
    140,000
    Employment, 2025

What aircraft mechanics do

Aircraft mechanics, also called aviation maintenance technicians, perform scheduled inspections, troubleshoot problems, replace parts, repair structures and document everything precisely. Their signature in a logbook returns an aircraft to service: a serious responsibility.

Most mechanics earn the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, usually by completing an FAA-approved Part 147 school (about 18 to 24 months) or documenting practical experience, then passing written, oral and practical tests. Retirements and airline growth keep demand steady.

Typical duties

  • Perform scheduled inspections such as annual, 100-hour and airline checks
  • Diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems
  • Repair or replace engines, landing gear, brakes and components
  • Repair aircraft structures and sheet metal
  • Comply with airworthiness directives and service bulletins
  • Document maintenance in logbooks and records per FAA rules
  • Test systems and return aircraft to service

Work environment and schedule

Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. The work can be noisy and involves heights, confined spaces and exposure to chemicals.

Schedule: Full-time, often on nights, weekends and holidays because many aircraft are maintained when not flying. Overtime is common.

A day in the life

  1. Start an overnight shift at an airline maintenance base; review the aircraft’s logbook write-ups.
  2. Perform a scheduled overnight check: walkaround, fluids, tires and brakes.
  3. Troubleshoot a pilot write-up about an intermittent cabin pressure warning using the fault isolation manual.
  4. Replace a faulty sensor, torque connections and apply safety wire.

See a full day in the life of an aircraft mechanic →

Aircraft Mechanic salary

Half of aircraft mechanics earned more than $79,870 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $48,780 for the lowest 10% to $128,890 for the top 10%.

Full aircraft mechanic pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an aircraft mechanic

  1. Finish high school
  2. Attend a Part 147 school or gain experience
  3. Pass FAA exams
  4. Start at a repair station, airline or FBO
  5. Advance

Most aircraft mechanics complete an FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance school (about 18–24 months). Alternatively, you can qualify for A&P testing with documented practical experience (18 months for one rating or 30 months for both) or military experience.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an aircraft mechanic →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

  • Aircraft systems and inspections
  • FAA regulations and documentation
  • Engine (powerplant) maintenance
  • Sheet metal and structures
  • Safety wiring and torque

People skills

  • Integrity and attention to detail
  • Working under time pressure
  • Teamwork
  • Clear documentation

All aircraft mechanic skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Strong pay and benefits, especially at airlines
  • Respected, high-responsibility work
  • Travel benefits at many airlines
  • Steady demand from retirements and fleet growth

Cons

  • Nights, weekends and holiday shifts
  • High pressure for safety and on-time departures
  • Extensive regulations and documentation
  • 18–30 months to qualify for the A&P

Certifications and licenses

  • FAA A&P certificate: Airframe and Powerplant certificate: required to approve most aircraft for return to service.
  • Inspection Authorization (IA): Allows experienced A&Ps to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs.
  • FCC GROL: General Radiotelephone Operator License, useful for avionics work.
  • Manufacturer training: Type-specific training on engines and aircraft models.

Career path

  1. Aviation Maintenance Apprentice or Helper: Assist A&P mechanics.
  2. A&P Mechanic: Inspect and repair aircraft.
  3. Lead Mechanic, Inspector or IA: Inspect work and approve major repairs.
  4. Maintenance Supervisor or Director of Maintenance: Lead operations and compliance.

Learn the job before day one

Our Aircraft Mechanic training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as safety wire a pair of bolts and make a maintenance logbook entry, safety and how to land your first job.

View Aircraft Mechanic trainingIs this career right for me?

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Aircraft Mechanic FAQ

How long does it take to get an A&P license?

Part 147 schools typically take 18 to 24 months. Without school, you need 18 months of experience for one rating or 30 months for both.

Do aircraft mechanics need a license?

To approve work and return aircraft to service, mechanics generally need an FAA certificate. Some uncertificated workers perform tasks under supervision at repair stations.

Is aircraft maintenance a good career?

Yes for many people: BLS pay data puts aircraft mechanics well above the median for all occupations, and retirements keep demand steady.

How much does an aircraft mechanic make?

The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics was $79,870 ($38.40 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $48,780 and the highest 10% earned more than $128,890.

How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?

Most people need about 18–30 months of training. Most aircraft mechanics complete an FAA-approved Part 147 aviation maintenance school (about 18–24 months). Alternatively, you can qualify for A&P testing with documented practical experience (18 months for one rating or 30 months for both) or military experience.

Do you need a degree to be an aircraft mechanic?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education.

More aircraft mechanic questions →

Sources

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

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