Updated 2025 · Automotive
How to Become a Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics (aviation maintenance technicians) inspect, repair, and maintain aircraft engines, landing gear, instruments, and other components to ensure airworthiness.
Steps to Become a Aircraft Mechanic
- Meet basic requirements — You must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED. A strong foundation in math, physics, and shop classes helps.
- Apply to an apprenticeship program — Aircraft Mechanic apprenticeships last 2 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Apply through your local union (IBEW, UA, etc.) or a non-union contractor program. You earn while you learn from day one.
- Complete required training — Complete 4000 hours of on-the-job training and related classroom instruction.
- Earn certifications — Required certifications include: FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required), FAA Inspection Authorization (IA), Manufacturer-specific type ratings.
- Pass the journeyman exam — After completing your apprenticeship, pass the journeyman licensing exam in your state to earn full journeyman status and pay.
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.
Daily Duties
- 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
Skills Needed
- Aircraft systems knowledge
- Sheet metal repair
- Engine overhaul
- Avionics troubleshooting
- NDT inspection
Required Certifications
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required)
- FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)
- Manufacturer-specific type ratings
Aircraft Mechanic Salary (2025)
The national median aircraft mechanic salary is $76,453 per year. Pay ranges from $63,063 in the lowest-paying metro to $103,202 in the highest-paying metro. See the full aircraft mechanic salary breakdown by city.
Apprentice Pay Progression
Aircraft Mechanic apprentices earn while they learn, starting at approximately 40% of journeyman pay:
| Year | % of Journeyman | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 40% | $30,581 |
| Year 2 | 90% | $68,808 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $76,453 |
Union vs Non-Union Aircraft Mechanic Pay
Union aircraft mechanics earn 17% more than non-union workers — $38.20/hour union vs $32.65/hour non-union. Approximately 16.9% of aircraft mechanics are union members. See the full union vs non-union comparison.
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.
Career Outlook
Strong demand driven by airline fleet growth and retirements. FAA A&P license is a valuable credential with high portability across employers.
Frequently Asked Questions
The national median salary for a aircraft mechanic is $76,453 per year (2025 BLS data). Pay ranges from $63,063 to $103,202 depending on location, with top earners in the 90th percentile making significantly more.
It takes 2 years to complete a aircraft mechanic apprenticeship. During this time, you earn while you learn — starting at approximately 40-50% of journeyman wages and receiving annual raises.
No college degree is required to become a aircraft mechanic. The primary path is through an apprenticeship program or trade school. You will need to earn specific certifications: FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate (required) and FAA Inspection Authorization (IA).
Aircraft Mechanic earns a Trade Pay Score grade of C, meaning it rates moderately on pay relative to cost of living, wage growth, and demand. Strong demand driven by airline fleet growth and retirements. FAA A&P license is a valuable credential with high portability across employers.
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