Shigoto Zukan
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How to become aircraft mechanics and service technicianseducation, training, experience and the steps to enter

United States Manufacturing & Repair Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$79,870
25th–75th pct. $62,630–$99,130
Top pay (est.)
$167,600
Top 10% $128,890
Pay in 5 years
$93,700est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$109,900est.
$94,500–$127,600
Outlook score
65/100
★★★☆☆ Good
AI replacement risk
27%
Low
Job growth (10 yr)
+5.4%
11K openings / yr

How to become aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Typical education
Postsecondary nondegree award
BLS
Related experience
None
On-the-job training
None

A step-by-step guide for this occupation is being prepared. The education, training and experience data above show the typical path.

Skills, education and requirements for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

Key skills

Equipment Maintenance
5.4
Troubleshooting
4.4
Repairing
4.4
Critical Thinking
4.1
Reading Comprehension
4.1
Quality Control Analysis
3.9
Operations Monitoring
3.9
Operation and Control
3.6

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Mechanical
6.5
Public Safety and Security
4.0
Engineering and Technology
4.0
Transportation
3.9
Chemistry
3.8
English Language
3.6
Mathematics
3.5
Education and Training
3.4

What the work involves

Handling and Moving ObjectsPerforming General Physical ActivitiesRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkRepairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Important abilities

Problem SensitivityNear VisionFinger DexterityWritten ComprehensionVisualizationControl Precision

Education of workers

Post-secondary certificate
66%
Associate's degree
15%
High school diploma
10%
Some college
8%

Training before entry

1–3 months
30%
1–2 years
18%
Up to 1 month
16%
None / short demo
14%
6–12 months
9%
3–6 months
7%
4–10 years
6%

Related work experience

2–4 years
33%
1–2 years
30%
4–6 years
17%
6–12 months
13%
None
6%

Job Zone 3 — medium preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★☆☆☆ Fairly easy (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Career path and how to earn more as aircraft mechanics and service technicians

Career-path guidance is being prepared. Pay by percentile is shown in the Pay section.

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.