Whether you’ve just recently completed the coursework for your high school diploma and are excited (but unsure) about which direction to take toward a rewarding career, or have been in a job for a few years that is just not as satisfying as you had hoped, consider a career in aircraft maintenance. If you’re wondering how to become an aircraft mechanic, here’s what you need to know about this rewarding field.
Start With the Right Training
Aircraft maintenance schools that are approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are the best place to begin. By choosing a school with this highly-regarded approval, you can be confident that your program of study will be current, correct, and acknowledged by the leading aircraft maintenance facilities in the world. Employers that require their aircraft mechanics to come from FAA-approved schools adhere to the same high standards of expected excellence at their facilities as well.
Education Options
There are many different courses of study from which to choose:
- Certificates of completion
- Associate’s degree
- Bachelor’s degree
The top aircraft maintenance schools not only hold FAA approval, but also include computer technology coursework in their programs since 21st century aircraft are becoming more technology-oriented than ever before.
Path to Certification
Once you complete your training, you’ll follow these steps to become a certified aircraft mechanic:
- Graduate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school
- Accumulate the required practical experience hours
- Pass the FAA written exams (general, airframe, and powerplant)
- Pass the oral and practical exams administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner
- Receive your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate
Scoring high on these exams adds to your credentials and helps make you a viable candidate for available positions.
Earning Potential and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $78,680 in May 2024. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,790, while the highest 10 percent earned more than $120,080.
Employment Statistics
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians held about 143,700 jobs in 2023, and about 13,100 openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Employment in aircraft maintenance is expected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
What’s Driving Demand
Several factors are fueling the need for qualified aircraft mechanics:
- Growing passenger travel and goods transportation increasing air traffic
- Aircraft systems becoming more complex, requiring skilled technicians
- Expansion of the commercial space industry
- Emerging technologies like electric and hybrid-powered aircraft
Of the thousands of career choices available today, aircraft maintenance consistently places among the top lists for job security and earning potential.
What the Job Looks Like
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians typically work in hangars, repair stations, and on airfields, with major airports in major cities being the most common places to secure employment.
Work Environment
The work can be physically demanding, sometimes requiring technicians to crouch, lie on the ground, or reach overhead for extended periods. Common work locations include:
- Commercial airport hangars
- Aircraft repair stations
- Military installations
- Private and corporate flight departments
- Manufacturing facilities
Schedule Expectations
While skilled and seasoned aircraft mechanics typically get scheduled to work regular hours during the weekdays, new hires often juggle more sporadic schedules. However, this presents an opportunity—new graduates get to work alongside different mechanics and take on different types of repair projects that are often saved for late-night or weekend shifts.
Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work full time, and shifts may include nights, weekends, and holidays. Aircraft mechanics must be detail-oriented and able to meet strict deadlines in order not to cause any downtime in flight schedules.
Building Your Credentials
Job prospects for aircraft mechanics who earn an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate are significantly higher than those who don’t. An A&P certificate is essential for anyone serious about building strong career prospects in this field.
Skills That Set You Apart
Beyond the A&P, the following skills and knowledge areas will further strengthen your credentials:
- Composite materials
- Digital systems and avionics
- Cutting-edge diagnostic technology
- Turbine engine expertise
Career Advancement
After working for several years and honing your skills and confidence, many aircraft mechanics explore advanced opportunities such as:
- Working with private aircraft fleet owners
- Joining corporate flight departments
- Specializing in avionics or turbine engines
- Moving into inspection or supervisory roles
A Career That Matters
The profession of aircraft maintenance is highly respected. Since so many lives are at stake—from pilots and staff to passengers and the general public—it is a role that demands precision, professionalism, and accuracy at every step of the aircraft repair process, 24/7. There is never any room for error.
Getting started begins with the right training. FAA-approved programs provide the foundation you need to enter this rewarding career with confidence.
FAQs
How long does it take to become an aircraft mechanic?
Most FAA-approved aircraft maintenance programs take between 18 and 24 months to complete. After finishing your coursework, you’ll need to pass the FAA written, oral, and practical exams to earn your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
Do I need a college degree to become an aircraft mechanic?
No, a college degree is not required. You can enter the field with a certificate from an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. However, some mechanics choose to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree to expand their career opportunities.
What is an A&P certificate and why is it important?
An Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is an FAA-issued credential that qualifies you to work on aircraft structures (airframe) and engines (powerplant). It’s the industry standard for aircraft mechanics and significantly improves your job prospects and earning potential.
Where do aircraft mechanics work?
Aircraft mechanics typically work in hangars, repair stations, and on airfields. Major airports in large metropolitan areas offer the most employment opportunities, though positions are also available with private aircraft owners, corporate flight departments, and the military.
Is aircraft maintenance a good career?
Yes. Aircraft maintenance offers strong job security, competitive salaries, and steady demand. According to the BLS, employment is projected to grow5% from 2023 to 2033, and the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was$78,580 in May 2023 — with top earners making more than $118,450.
Related Article: Aircraft Maintenance Career Outlook
For more information about aviation maintenance training, the Aviation Institute of Maintenance Aircraft Mechanic School Programs is where you can learn more.
