Aircraft Mechanic (A&P)

Ever looked up at a jet slicing through the clouds and thought, someone’s making sure that thing stays in the air? Well… that someone could be you. Aircraft mechanics, or A&P Technicians (short for Airframe & Powerplant), are the heartbeat of aviation. They’re the ones who keep every flight safe, every landing smooth, and every pilot confident enough to take off again. This page explains what aircraft mechanics do and the steps to work as an FAA-certified A&P technician. They inspect airframes and engines, diagnose issues, replace parts, and sign off FAA maintenance logs. And the best part? You don’t need a college degree. Just trade school, solid training, curiosity, and a little grease on your hands. Quick answers What aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn across the pay scale Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Projected job growth for aircraft mechanics and service technicians Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Do you need a college degree to work as an aircraft mechanic? No. You can start with trade school and FAA-approved training, such as a Part 147 aviation maintenance school, or equivalent experience in the military. What does A&P mean in aircraft maintenance? A&P stands for Airframe & Powerplant. It refers to the two main areas aircraft mechanics train on and test for. What do aircraft mechanics do day to day? Common tasks include inspecting engines and airframes, diagnosing mechanical or electrical issues, replacing parts, and signing off FAA maintenance logs. What are the main steps to work as an A&P technician? Finish high school or earn a GED, complete FAA-approved training, build about 30 months of supervised work (or 1,900 hours of instruction), pass your FAA exams (General, Airframe, Powerplant), then earn your A&P license. What does the FAA require before you can be certified? You must be at least 18, read, write, and speak English, complete a Part 147 training program (or log work experience), and pass the FAA tests (written, oral, and practical). Where can aircraft mechanics work? Aircraft mechanics work in commercial airlines, private jet companies, military and defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, and repair and maintenance facilities. At a glance No college degree requiredTrain via Part 147 school or military experienceExperience requirement: about 30 months or 1,900 hoursExams cover General, Airframe, and PowerplantFAA eligibility includes age 18+ and English proficiencyIA can be available after three years as a certified A&P What Aircraft Mechanics Actually Do Let’s be honest: this isn’t your typical desk job. You’ll be around the hum of engines, the smell of jet fuel, and the satisfaction of knowing your work literally keeps people alive. Typical day-to-day tasks Inspecting and maintaining aircraft engines, wings, landing gear, everything that makes a plane fly.Diagnosing problems with mechanical or electrical systems.Using advanced tools and digital diagnostic equipment.Replacing parts, signing off FAA maintenance logs, and checking everything twice. It’s hands-on, detail-heavy work. And every bolt you tighten tells someone, “You’re safe to fly.” Aviation never sleeps. And neither does the demand for skilled mechanics. From small charter planes to global airlines, A&P-certified techs are always needed. How to Become an Aircraft Mechanic (5 Steps) Training as an aircraft mechanic isn’t about memorizing theory: it’s about learning how to think, problem-solve, and stay calm when metal and machinery are in your hands. Finish high school or earn a GED Classes like math, physics, and shop help more than you’d think. Complete FAA-approved training You can attend an FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance school or gain equivalent experience in the military. Part 147 schools are FAA-approved aviation maintenance training programs. Build experience (1,900 hours total) The FAA requires about 30 months of supervised work or 1,900 hours of instruction. Pass your FAA exams There Are Three Parts General - physics, tools, and materialsAirframe - structure and systemsPowerplant - engines and fuel systems Earn your A&P license and start your career You can work at airports, airlines, repair stations, or even go solo and start your own business. Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See programs near you ↑ Certification & Licensing FAA eligibility basics Here’s what the FAA expects before they hand you that A&P certification: You’re at least 18 years oldYou can read, write, and speak EnglishYou’ve finished a Part 147 training program or logged your work experienceYou’ve passed all three FAA tests (written, oral, and practical) Next credential: Inspection Authorization (IA) After three years as a certified A&P, you can apply for Inspection Authorization (IA), which the page notes can mean higher pay and more responsibility. Skills That Make You Great at This You notice the details others missYou stay calm when things get complexYou love solving mechanical puzzlesYou’re safety-minded and preciseYou don’t mind getting your hands dirty The best mechanics are part technician, part detective, and part artist. Where You’ll Work (and Grow) Aircraft Mechanics Work In Commercial airlinesPrivate jet companiesMilitary and defense contractorsAerospace manufacturers (Boeing, Lockheed, etc.)Repair and maintenance facilities Career Growth Paths Lead Mechanic or Crew ChiefAvionics SpecialistMaintenance Inspector (IA)Aviation Maintenance Instructor Aircraft Mechanic Salary Snapshot U.S. U.S. Median Pay $79,870 $38.40 per hour Job Outlook 4.0% 5,600 jobs (2024-2034) 11,300 openings/yr Data Year: 2025 SOC: 49-3011 Source: BLS OEWS Pros & Cons Pros Strong pay and global job demandWork with cutting-edge aircraft systemsEvery day feels differentRespect and responsibility Cons Requires high precision and focusSometimes physically demandingShift work and overtime possible Start Your Aircraft Mechanic Journey If you’ve ever wanted a career that feels real, one where your work directly impacts safety, performance, and people’s lives, aviation maintenance might just be it. You don’t have to wait for a degree or a fancy resume. You just have to start. It’s time to take off. Industry Organizations & Certifying Bodies These are the recognized national organizations, unions, certifying bodies, and regulatory authorities that shape this trade. They issue the credentials, sponsor the apprenticeships, publish the codes, and represent workers and employers. U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Issues the Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate required for aircraft mechanics.Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) Association of FAA Part 147 aviation maintenance schools.Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA) Professional association for aviation maintenance technicians. Wage and Employment Charts Annual Wage by Percentile, United States - Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians annual wage percentiles, BLS OEWS May 2025 P10 $48780, P25 $62630, P50 $79870, P75 $99130, P90 $128890. 10th $48,780 25th $62,630 50th (median) $79,870 75th $99,130 90th $128,890 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians annual wage percentiles Percentile Annual wage 10th $48,780 25th $62,630 50th (median) $79,870 75th $99,130 90th $128,890 Top-paying states for aircraft mechanics and service technicians Use this chart on your site (free) This chart is free to republish. Copy the code below; it credits TradeCareerPath.com with a link back to this page. Chart by TradeCareerPath.com Projected employment growth, United States, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, 2024-2034 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians employment 2024 vs 2034 projection, BLS Employment Projections 2024 employment 139400; 2034 projected employment 145000; percent change +4.0%. 2024 139,400 jobs 2034 (proj.) 145,000 jobs Change: +4.0% Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians employment projection 2024 to 2034 Year Employment 2024 139,400 2034 projected 145,000 Percent change +4.0% Compare training programs near you Browse program lengths, formats, and start dates from accredited schools that match your goals. See schools near you ↑ Workplace Safety Snapshot BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses data (2023-2024) report approximately 233.9 days-away, restricted, or transfer cases per 10,000 full-time-equivalent workers in aircraft mechanics and service technicians (about 2.34 per 100 FTE). Source: BLS Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses, Table R98. Frequently Asked Questions How long does aircraft mechanic training take? It typically takes typically 6 months to 2 years of training. The most common entry path is through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is generally required to get started. Do you need a college degree to work as an aircraft mechanic? No. A college degree is not required to work as an aircraft mechanic. Most people enter the field through a certificate or associate degree program. A high school diploma or GED is typically the only educational prerequisite. Which states pay aircraft mechanics the most? According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 OEWS), the highest-paying states for aircraft mechanics are New Jersey, New York, and Maryland. Median annual wages: New Jersey ($105,370); New York ($102,800); Maryland ($100,500). Which states employ the most aircraft mechanics? BLS reports the largest concentrations of aircraft mechanics in Texas, Florida, and California. Employment levels: Texas (16,850 workers); Florida (14,850 workers); California (12,590 workers) (May 2025). How much do experienced aircraft mechanics earn? The top 10% of aircraft mechanics earn more than $128,890 per year, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025). Experienced workers in this band typically hold senior credentials, supervisory roles, or specialty certifications. What is entry-level pay for aircraft mechanics? BLS reports the bottom 10% of aircraft mechanics earn under $48,780 per year. New workers often start near this level and see pay rise as they accumulate experience and credentials. How many aircraft mechanics work in the United States? BLS reports approximately 138,090 aircraft mechanics employed nationwide as of May 2025. How many job openings are expected for aircraft mechanics each year? BLS projects approximately 11,300 openings per year for aircraft mechanics from 2024 through 2034, including new positions, retirements, and workers transitioning out. The occupation is projected to grow 4.0% from 2024 to 2034, classified as about as fast as average growth. How much do aircraft mechanics make per hour? The median hourly wage for aircraft mechanics is $38.40, according to BLS (May 2025). Hourly pay ranges from about $23.45 (bottom 10%) to $61.97 (top 10%). How Aircraft Mechanic Pay Compares to Similar Trades Side-by-side comparison of Mechanic & Engine Technician and the closest related careers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data (May 2025 OEWS + 2024-2034 Employment Projections). Career Median Pay 10-Year Growth Annual Openings Mechanic & Engine Technician this guide $79,870 +4.0% 11,300 Mechanic & Engine Technician $50,620 +4.2% 70,000 Maintenance Technician $49,590 +3.8% 159,800 CNC Machinist $58,750 - 29,500 HVAC Technician $61,010 +8.1% 40,100 Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics + BLS Employment Projections. Related Careers Mechanic & Engine TechnicianMechanic & Engine TechnicianMaintenance TechnicianCNC MachinistHVAC Technician Sources U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025)U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections 2024-2034U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Survey of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses (2023-2024, Table R98)U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division, Davis-Bacon General Wage Determinations (2026) Aircraft Mechanic Salary by State BLS OEWS, May 2025 Filter states State Median annual Top 10% annual New York $102,800 $240,310 Tennessee $81,040 $167,410 Kentucky $67,920 $156,910 Pennsylvania $78,000 $136,510 Oregon $82,850 $135,770 New Jersey $105,370 $133,790 Massachusetts $93,040 $133,400 Georgia $75,640 $133,250 Minnesota $81,980 $133,020 Ohio $80,570 $132,850 Illinois $81,680 $130,950 Hawaii $90,830 $130,560 Florida $76,940 $130,190 Colorado $82,080 $130,160 Connecticut $96,830 $127,050 Virginia $82,200 $125,170 Alaska $91,150 $122,880 Texas $84,440 $122,180 Arizona $75,300 $121,480 Maryland $100,500 $121,100 Maine $67,890 $118,500 Michigan $74,900 $118,100 Washington $98,980 $117,740 California $86,100 $116,690 Delaware $83,550 $116,370 Nevada $94,890 $113,290 North Carolina $76,980 $112,050 Oklahoma $74,390 $108,770 Louisiana $79,780 $107,830 Utah $70,160 $104,550 New Hampshire $79,610 $99,910 Wisconsin $73,930 $99,850 Wyoming $56,680 $99,540 North Dakota $77,740 $99,170 New Mexico $84,440 $99,020 Vermont $76,370 $98,810 Alabama $82,260 $98,440 Idaho $61,250 $98,260 Kansas $80,270 $98,070 Nebraska $64,020 $98,020 Montana $64,170 $97,200 Missouri $71,470 $97,160 Rhode Island $70,720 $96,530 Iowa $69,890 $93,130 Indiana $63,400 $90,060 South Dakota $75,750 $89,360 Mississippi $74,880 $88,340 South Carolina $75,160 $84,600 West Virginia $45,470 $78,710 Arkansas $65,420 $78,690 Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025.