Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
SOC code 49-3011 · O*NET-SOC 49-3011.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$79,870
a year
Hourly
$38.40
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$84,740
$40.74 per hour
Middle 50%
$62,630 – $99,130
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$48,780 – $128,890
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
138,090
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $48,780
- $23.45/hr
- 25th percentile
- $62,630
- $30.11/hr
- Median percentile
- $79,870
- $38.40/hr
- 75th percentile
- $99,130
- $47.66/hr
- 90th percentile
- $128,890
- $61.97/hr
What do aircraft mechanics and service technicians do?
Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
The tasks that matter most day to 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.
- 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.
How to qualify for this work
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 66% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate66%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree15%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)10%
- Some College Courses8%
Common questions
How much does an aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn?
The national median is $79,870 a year. The full range runs from $48,780 at the 10th percentile to $128,890 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an aircraft mechanics and service technicians without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Reading Comprehension4.1/5
- Critical Thinking4.0/5
- Monitoring3.6/5
Knowledge areas
- Mechanical4.7/5
- Public Safety and Security3.8/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
- English Language3.7/5
- Transportation3.7/5
- Education and Training3.3/5
- Mathematics3.2/5
- Computers and Electronics3.1/5
Transferable strengths: Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting, Operations Monitoring, Complex Problem Solving, Operation and Control.