Also called: Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic, Aviation Maintenance Technician, AMT
Inspects, repairs, and maintains airplanes and helicopters, from engines to landing gear.
Many mechanics work night shifts so planes are ready by morning. You might replace a brake assembly, chase down a hydraulic leak, or do a scheduled inspection with a checklist hundreds of steps long. Every job ends with your signature saying the plane is safe to fly.
Airline mechanics with seniority can earn $120k+ with overtime.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate from an FAA Part 147 school (about 18-24 months), or military experience.
Ways in: Trade school, 2-year college, Military, Apprenticeship. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Aviation Maintenance Technology (A&P school), Aircraft Maintenance (military).
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). BLS projects 5% growth for aircraft and avionics mechanics, with about 13,400 openings a year.
Low risk for 10 years. AI predicts failures and digitizes manuals; hands-on inspection, repair and FAA sign-off stay human, and demand is strong.
Classes: Physics, Auto tech or small engines, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3011.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.