Also called: AMARG Aircraft Mechanic, Aircraft Reclamation Technician
Works at the Arizona "boneyard" where 3,000+ retired military aircraft are sealed, stored, stripped for parts or brought back to life.
At the 309th AMARG at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base in Tucson, techs seal parked jets with a white protective coating, drain fluids, and pull parts that other units need. Some crews 'regenerate' stored aircraft to fly again. Work is outdoors in the desert sun on rows of planes.
Federal wage-grade civilian pay, 2026 estimate.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 1.5 years after high school. Aircraft mechanic training (A&P school) or military aircraft maintenance experience.
Ways in: Certification, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aviation Maintenance Technology.
Growing about average. Federal civilian defense jobs track the defense budget; steady hiring with retirements (approx.).
Low risk for 10 years. Parts tracking is digital; hands-on preservation and part removal stay human.
Classes: Auto shop, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3011.
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