PathGauge

Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician

Aircraft mechanics inspect, service, troubleshoot, and repair airframes and powerplants under aviation maintenance rules, using technical records, precision measurement, approved data, and controlled procedures.

$78,6802024 U.S. median annual wage
4.0%Projected employment change, 2024–34
11,300Average annual openings, 2024–34
49-3011BLS occupation code

Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 · United States · USD · 2024 wage year · Reviewed July 30, 2026

What to expect from the work

The FAA certificate pathway requires documented eligibility and multiple tests, while the job itself may involve nights, weekends, noise, chemicals, weather, and exacting recordkeeping where shortcuts are unacceptable.

Typical entry route

Entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Work setting
Indoor and field

Estimated preparation time: up to 30 months. This estimate follows the FAA’s 30-month concurrent practical-experience route. FAA-certificated school programs may use different completion schedules. This is a PathGauge estimate, not a BLS program-duration measure.

Steps worth checking

  1. Choose between an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School and a documented practical-experience route.
  2. Meet FAA age, language, experience or school, and application requirements for the desired rating or ratings.
  3. Obtain testing authorization and pass the required General, Airframe, and/or Powerplant knowledge tests.
  4. Complete the oral and practical examination with a Designated Mechanic Examiner.
  5. Apply within the privileges of the certificate while continuing model-specific and employer training.

Costs to ask about

There is no single national price for this route. Get written quotes from programs or employers and check whether they include the items below.

  • FAA-certificated school tuition, lab charges, books, and tools
  • Commercial knowledge-test provider charges
  • Designated Mechanic Examiner oral and practical test charges
  • Travel, lodging, and forgone earnings during school or testing

Add up your training costs

Similar careers

Mobile Heavy Equipment MechanicHigh school diploma or equivalent · 5.8% outlookIndustrial Machinery MechanicHigh school diploma or equivalent · 16.1% outlookMedical Equipment RepairerAssociate's degree · 12.9% outlook

Compare Aircraft Mechanic and Service Technician side by side