Also called: Structural Mechanic, Aircraft Sheet Metal Mechanic
Repairs the aluminum and composite skin and frame of aircraft after damage, corrosion, or wear.
A baggage cart dented a jet's belly, so you cut out the damaged section, shape a new piece, and rivet it in place exactly per the engineer's drawing. Riveting is loud, precise work, often done in teams with one person shooting rivets and another bucking them.
BLS aircraft mechanics and service technicians median was $78,680 in May 2024; this specialty is estimated within that group.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Certificate, about 2 years after high school. A&P school or a structures-focused certificate; many learn in the military.
Ways in: Trade school, Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Aviation Maintenance Technology, Aircraft Structures (military).
Growing faster than average (about 5% over 10 years). Follows aircraft mechanic growth.
Low risk for 10 years. Robots drill and rivet new builds, but repairing damage on each different plane stays hands-on.
Classes: Metals or welding CTE, Geometry, Physics.
Official data: O*NET occupation 49-3011.
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