According to Zippia, there are 67,910 aircraft mechanics employed in the United States. The majority of these professionals work in Texas and California. In this guide, we explore the best companies for aircraft mechanics and the salaries they pay. Instead of scouring the Internet, read on to learn the role of an aircraft mechanic and how to land a job.
What Is an Aircraft Mechanic?
An aircraft mechanic is a professional who repairs and maintains parts of an aircraft. In the aviation industry, aircraft mechanics diagnose mechanical issues, repair aircraft components, replace defective parts, tests aircraft parts, and record maintenance schedules. The job might include working on airplanes, helicopters, or jets.
How to Get an Aircraft Mechanic Job
To get a job as an aircraft mechanic, candidates will need to meet several qualifications. Below is the necessary process to land a job as an aircraft mechanic. This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process of starting a career as an aircraft mechanic.
- Acquire a high school diploma. A high school diploma or GED is necessary to become an aircraft mechanic. In high school, students should focus on mathematics, construction, and engineering, which will pave the way for their future careers.
- Specialize. The field has several specializations. You can choose to become an airframe mechanic or a power plant mechanic. Airframe mechanics often deal with the overall construction of the aircraft and its systems, while power plant aircraft mechanics deal with constructing and repairing aircraft engines and systems.
- Sign up for a technical program. It’s important to attend a technical school accredited by the Federal Aviation Administration. The training programs teach aircraft maintenance, documentation practices, airframe prevention, physics, electricity, ignition systems, and turbine engines. These are foundational principles in the aviation industry.
- Pass Federal Aviation Administration examinations. These exams feature oral interviews, written questions, and field assessments. Depending on your career path, you can take the airframe mechanic or powerplant aircraft mechanic test.
- Join a professional organization. The Professional Aviation Maintenance Association and the Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association are excellent at helping mechanics network. They also provide exposure to new developments in the aviation industry.
Top 10 Highest-Paying Aircraft Mechanics Companies
| Company | Salary for Aircraft Mechanics |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | $93,504 |
| United Airlines | $73,244 |
| Delta Airlines | $71,575 |
| Lockheed Martin | $68,520 |
| Boeing | $62,968 |
| Air National Guard | $61,278 |
| Northrop Grumman | $57,177 |
| US Air Force | $50,154 |
| US Army | $47,680 |
| US Marine | $37,135 |
American Airlines
Headquartered in Texas, American Airlines operates international and domestic flights. Those who are not aircraft mechanics can still land a job at the company. American Airlines has open career options for customer assistance representatives, project managers, and senior administrators.
What Does American Airlines Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
According to Salary.com, American Airlines pays its aircraft mechanics an annual salary of $93,504. The salary range is between $81,455 and $105,399.
American Airlines Reviews
According to Glassdoor, a current employee of American Airlines stated that is a wonderful company. The employee confirmed that the company cares about the staff and the CEO is working on many improvements.
United Airlines
Located in Chicago, United Airlines operates domestically and internationally. With more than 90,000 employees, the company is constantly looking for professionals in the field to drive toward its vision. An aircraft mechanic is just one potential job track at United Airlines. Job seekers can also become sales representatives, senior business analysts, or recruiting representatives.
What Does United Airlines Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
United Airlines pays its aircraft mechanics $73,244 each year, according to Indeed. This is 36 percent higher than the national average. It also offers its professionals stock options, health insurance, paid time off, and a retirement plan.
United Airlines Reviews
Employees who left United Airlines reviews on Glassdoor state that the company has flight and travel benefits. Also, 82 percent of the employees would recommend the company to their friends. Due to many positive reviews, the average rating of the company is 4.1 out of five stars.
Delta Airlines
This is another airline that offers international and domestic flights. Delta operates in 300 locations in 60 countries. Headquartered in Georgia, the airline seeks cloud architects, Enterprise Agile coaches, and AI engineering architects, and aircraft technicians.
What Does Delta Airlines Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
Indeed showcases that Delta Airlines pays aircraft mechanics an annual wage of $71,575 each year. It also offers them health insurance, flight benefits, retirement plans, and 401k matching.
Delta Airlines Reviews
On Glassdoor, Delta Airlines has a high rating of 4.4 out of five stars. A current employee attests that it’s a great company with excellent traveling perks. Also, 88 percent of the employees would recommend the major airline to a friend and 90 percent approve of the CEO.
Lockheed Martin
This is an American technology company that deals with aerospace, arms, and information security. It has more than 114,000 employees working toward clients’ needs. Interested parties can join the company as a project engineer, aircraft mechanic, software engineer, or systems engineer.
What Does Lockheed Martin Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
Indeed indicates that Lockheed Martin pays its aircraft mechanics an average salary of $68,520 each year. The company offers its employees relocation assistance, health insurance, retirement plans, and tuition reimbursement.
Lockheed Martin Reviews
According to Indeed, prior employees who worked at Lockheed Martin gave the company a high rating of four out of five stars. The company employees indicate the pros are the ability to learn new things, a clear sense of purpose, and time and location flexibility.
Boeing
This American corporation designs and manufactures airplanes, rockets, and telecommunications equipment. If you are not an aircraft mechanic, you can still land a job at this aerospace manufacturing company. You can become a cyber security analyst, business intelligence analyst, or data scientist.
What Does Boeing Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
According to Indeed, Boeing pays its aircraft mechanics an annual salary of $62,968. This is 17 percent higher than the national average. The company also offers relocation assistance.
Boeing Reviews
According to Glassdoor, Boeing employees rate the company at 3.8 out of five stars. They indicate that the company has great benefits and an excellent work-life balance.
Air National Guard
Air National Guard, commonly known as Air Guard, is a military reserve force belonging to the United States Air Force. The company has plenty of jobs available in the aviation industry. Aside from aircraft mechanics, prospective employees will find a variety of opportunities such as flight nurse, special operations pilot, or physical therapist.
What Does Air National Guard Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
Air National Guard pays its aircraft mechanics an annual salary of $61,278, according to Indeed. It also offers its employees relocation assistance. The site indicates that their median wage is 14 percent higher than the national average.
Air National Guard Reviews
With a high rating of 4.3 out of five stars on Glassdoor, Air National Guard reviews indicate the company has great benefits and is flexible. A current employee said that Air National Guard offers a good part-time job.
Northrop Grumman
This American aerospace technology company deals with military aircraft, military vessels, satellites, and rocket launch systems. The company employs more than 90,000 employees who utilize science, engineering, and technology to drive change. Additional employment options include working as an associate cyber systems engineer, associate test engineer, hardware engineer, or financial analyst.
What Does Northrop Grumman Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
Northrop Grumman’s average salary for aircraft mechanics is $57,177. Employees also earn an average cash bonus of $587 and a stock bonus of $2 each year.
Northrop Grumman Reviews
According to Indeed, one of Northrop Grumman’s current employees gave the company a five-star rating. Employees boast of an exceptional work culture.
US Air Force
US Air Force, an arm of the United States Armed Forces, deals with surveillance, air supremacy, global strike, and command and control. People employed here can work as an aircraft mechanic, pilot, air traffic controller, or cyber space operations officer.
What Does US Air Force Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
According to Glassdoor, the US Air Force pays its aircraft mechanics $50,154 each year. The aviation company also offers a $1,919 average annual cash bonus.
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US Air Force Reviews
According to Glassdoor, the US Air Force has a high rating of 4.2 out of five stars. A current employee stated that the company has a structured environment with clear rules that are easy to follow.
US Army
This is the land service branch of the United States Armed Forces. The company attracts professionals from different sectors. You can land a job as an aviation mechanic, watercraft engineer, cyber operations engineer, or even emergency room nurse.
What Does US Army Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
According to Glassdoor, the US Army pays its aircraft mechanics an average salary of $47,680. The average wage for aircraft mechanics ranges from $24,432 to $87,297 each year. The company also offers an additional payment average of $8,629.
US Army Reviews
According to US Army reviews on Indeed, the company provides employees with an opportunity to meet personal objectives and learn new things. Overall, the company earned 4.3 out of five stars.
US Marine Corps
Commonly referred to as the marines, the United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces. You can easily join the company as a combat engineer, cyber network engineer, or aircraft mechanic.
What Does US Marine Corps Pay Its Aircraft Mechanics?
US Marine Corps pays its aircraft mechanics an average salary of $37,135 each year, according to Glassdoor. The average annual range of an aircraft mechanic salary is between $20,488 and $95,207.
US Marine Corps Reviews
According to Glassdoor, 80 percent of US Marine Corps employees would recommend the company to a friend. The company has a very high rating of 4.9 out of five stars. A former employee stated that the company has steady pay and good incentives.
Why You Should Become an Aircraft Mechanic in 2023
You should become an aircraft mechanic in 2023 because it is a high-demand career. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians will experience job growth of 11 percent between 2020 and 2030. This means there will be an increase of 14,400 job openings.
Another reason you should become an aircraft mechanic is the excitement of the job. If you prefer a hands-on job opportunity, the role of an aircraft mechanic is an ideal option. The job entails maintaining, repairing, and inspecting aircraft.
Best Companies for Aircraft Mechanics FAQ
Yes, aircraft mechanics are in demand. These professionals are key in ensuring the safe operation of aircraft. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, there will be 14,400 open positions for aircraft mechanics throughout the next several years. Aircraft engineers work at NASA, Google, and many popular airlines.
The three types of aircraft mechanics are airframe, powerplant, and avionics. Their job roles depend on their specializations.
To become an aircraft mechanic, you’ll need skills in system analysis, equipment maintenance, quality control analysis, and operation monitoring. You will also need soft skills such as communication, organization, attention to detail, and critical thinking to execute your job role.
Yes, becoming an aircraft mechanic is worth it. The rewarding career path has high growth prospects, excellent pay, and is fulfilling. If you enjoy using your hands, you will have a great time in the profession.
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