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$15 million in grants & scholarships available this year for those who qualify10

Our Airframe and Powerplant Technician training program is designed so students can get trained in 18 months and get prepared to apply and test for Airframe and Powerplant Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certification.

Aviation Mechanic Career Path

Aviation mechanics get to work on some of the world’s biggest and most important machinery. They can be found in a variety of industries, from commercial airlines that transport people to destinations around the world, to manufacturers and businesses that ship vital goods and equipment.

If you enjoy working with your hands and are interested in training to become an aircraft mechanic, learn about the aviation mechanic job outlook and how it might impact your future.1

Aviation Mechanic Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there’s a demand for aviation mechanics. In fact, the aircraft mechanic career outlook for total aviation technician employment in the United States is expected to exceed 139,000 by 2031.71

Also according to the BLS, there were 125,440 aircraft mechanics and service technicians in the U.S. in May 2021. Every state throughout the country employed these technicians.

Aviation Mechanic Careers

When you go through an aviation technician training program, you could learn skills that can prepare you for a career as an entry-level aviation mechanic, as well as other career paths. Most of our grads start out working as entry-level technicians or in other entry-level roles. As with any industry, over time, you may be able to advance in your career with hard work. Some entry-level and advanced roles could include:77

Aircraft Mechanic (entry-level)

An aircraft mechanic job description includes diagnosing electrical and mechanical problems, repairing aircraft components, replacing defective parts and testing aircraft components. Aircraft mechanics perform scheduled maintenance, fix issues and complete inspections following regulations set forth by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Aircraft Mechanical Installer (advanced)

An aircraft mechanical installer uses hand or power tools to install aircraft structural, electrical, mechanical, hydraulic, and plumbing accessories and components.

Helicopter Mechanic (advanced)

Helicopter mechanics specialize in working on helicopter aircraft. Helicopters may be used for purposes including recreation, private transportation and emergency medical services transportation.

Avionics Technician (advanced)

Avionics technicians specialize in repairing and maintaining electronic instruments in aircraft. These include radar systems, navigation aids, and radio communication equipment and devices.

MEDIAN ANNUAL SALARY OF AN AVIATION MECHANIC

According to the BLS, the median annual salary for aviation maintenance technicians in the U.S. was $70,010 in May 2022.57

That means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area.

Here are the top 10 median annual salaries by state for aircraft mechanics and service technicians, as reported by the BLS in May 2021.*

*Not entry-level and is dependent on factors like experience, location, and employer compensation.

Rank State Annual Median Wage
1 Connecticut $83,360
2 Maryland $82,460
3 Hawaii $77,950
4 Tennessee $77,190
5 New Jersey $77,100
6 California $77,010
7 New York $76,890
8 New Mexico $76,600
9 Massachusetts $76,450
10 Alaska $76,250

Aviation Mechanic Training in Our Programs

We offer two programs for aviation mechanic training. Each one prepares students to apply and test for Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) FAA certification.

The Airframe and Powerplant Technician training program is available at our UTI campuses in Avondale, Arizona, Long Beach, California, and Miramar, Florida.79 The A&P and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs are available at our MIAT College of Technology campus in Canton, Michigan.80

Our programs are designed to be completed in 2 years or less and teach skills that include:

  • Airframe electrical
  • Airframe fire protection
  • Assembly and rigging
  • Basic sheet metal and welding familiarization
  • Hydraulics and pneumatics
  • Navigation and communication systems
  • Non-destructive testing
  • Non-metallic structures
  • Paints and finishes
  • Power plant lubrication systems
  • Propellers
  • Reciprocating engine operation
  • Turbine engine designs

Upon completion of the program, graduates will be prepared to apply and test for A&P FAA certification and will be prepared to apply for entry-level jobs in the aircraft technician field.


FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

IS A CAREER IN AVIATION RIGHT FOR YOU?

If an aircraft mechanic career path sounds interesting, you can complete training in our programs in 2 years or less that can help prepare you to test for certification and entry-level roles in the field. If you’d like to learn more about training for a career in aviation repair and maintenance, click the button below or call 800-834-7408.