Updated May 2026 · BLS OEWS 2024
How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic (2024)
Automotive · 2-year apprenticeship · SOC 49-3011
Aircraft Mechanics earn a national median of $79,931 per 2024 BLS data, with the 90th percentile reaching $130,940 in San Francisco. The standard path is a 2-year registered apprenticeship — paid from day one, no four-year degree required.
What Does a Aircraft Mechanic Do?
Aircraft mechanics (aviation maintenance technicians) inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, landing gear, instruments, and other components to ensure airworthiness.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
- Inspect aircraft systems for defects and wear
- Repair and replace aircraft components
- Perform scheduled maintenance per manufacturer requirements
- Test repaired systems and complete maintenance logs
- Read technical manuals and service bulletins
The Path: How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic
- 1
Finish high school or earn a GED
Most apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED. Strong math (especially algebra and geometry) and reading skills matter for trade exams and blueprint work. - 2
Find a registered apprenticeship
Search apprenticeship.gov for registered programs in your area. Programs are sponsored by unions, contractor associations, or individual employers. Application windows are usually annual. - 3
Complete the 2-year apprenticeship
Apprentices spend roughly 4000+ hours on the job paired with a journeyman, plus 144 classroom hours per year. Pay starts around $60,820 and steps up each year — see the timeline below. - 4
Pass the journeyman exam
Most states require a written + practical exam to earn the journeyman license. The exam covers code knowledge, safety, and practical work scenarios. Pass rates vary 50-80% on the first attempt. - 5
Earn certifications and (optionally) the master license
Layer on specialty certifications (FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required)) to access higher-paying work. Most states offer a master license after 2-4 additional years of journeyman experience — required for independent contracting in many states. - 6
Climb to the top decile
Top earners ($130,940 in San Francisco) typically reach the 90th percentile through specialization, foreman/supervisor roles, union membership, or running a small contracting business.
Aircraft Mechanic Apprentice Pay Timeline
Hourly wage progression based on industry-standard apprenticeship pay schedules. Actual rates vary by local union or contractor agreement.
| Year | Stage | Hourly | Annual (2,080 hr) | % of Journeyman |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Apprentice | $50/hr | $104,000 | 132% |
| Year 2 | Pre-journeyman | $75/hr | $156,000 | 197% |
| Journeyman | Licensed | $38/hr | $79,931 | 100% |
| Master / Top 10% | Specialist / Foreman | $63/hr | $130,940 | 164% |
Required Certifications & Licenses
- ✓FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required)
- ✓FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)
- ✓Manufacturer-specific type ratings
Skills You'll Need to Build
Work Environment
Aircraft mechanics work in hangars and on airport ramps. Exposure to noise, fumes, and weather. Shift work including nights, weekends, and holidays at airlines.
Job Outlook
Strong demand driven by airline fleet growth and retirements. FAA A&P license is a valuable credential with high portability across employers.
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Aircraft Mechanic Pay by City
The highest-paying metros for aircraft mechanics, with cost-of-living-adjusted pay so you can compare real take-home.
| City | Median | Top 10% | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $100,320 | $130,940 | C |
| Las Vegas, NV | $99,510 | $125,570 | B |
| New York, NY | $98,730 | $130,540 | C |
| Atlanta, GA | $95,920 | $130,020 | B |
| Boston, MA | $95,690 | $131,030 | C |
| Chicago, IL | $89,960 | $127,780 | C |
| Dallas, TX | $88,280 | $127,200 | B |
| Minneapolis, MN | $86,640 | $136,890 | C |
| Seattle, WA | $86,010 | $109,540 | C |
| Los Angeles, CA | $85,550 | $126,280 | C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Most aircraft mechanics complete a 2-year registered apprenticeship — typically 4000+ hours of paid on-the-job training plus 144 classroom hours per year. After completing the apprenticeship and passing the journeyman exam, you can work independently. Master-level certification (where applicable) usually takes another 2-4 years of journeyman experience.
No. Aircraft Mechanics do not require a four-year college degree. The standard credential is a journeyman license earned through a paid apprenticeship registered with the U.S. Department of Labor at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Some workers complete a 1- or 2-year certificate at a community or trade college before applying — but the journeyman license is what employers actually require.
Aircraft Mechanic apprentices typically start at $60,820 per year (10th percentile) and progress upward each year of the apprenticeship. By year 2, pay usually reaches the 50th percentile around $79,931. All training is paid — apprentices are W-2 employees of contractors or unions, not students paying tuition.
Common aircraft mechanic certifications include: FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required); FAA Inspection Authorization (IA); Manufacturer-specific type ratings. Most states also require a journeyman license; some have a separate master license for independent work.
Aircraft Mechanics earn a national median of $79,931 (Trade Pay Score grade B), wages have grown 6% over the past 5 years, and the BLS counts roughly 60,720 aircraft mechanic jobs nationwide. The work is physically demanding and the apprenticeship is real, but the trade clears the bar for living-wage, debt-free career entry.
The U.S. Department of Labor maintains a searchable database of registered apprenticeship programs at https://www.apprenticeship.gov/. Local building trades councils, IBEW/UA/IUPAT/IBB union halls, and trade school career offices also place candidates directly. Most apprenticeships have one open application window per year — check listings early.
Wage figures from BLS OEWS 2024. Apprentice pay schedules from industry-standard registered programs. Career outlook from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 2032 projections.