Occupations
Aviation Maintenance Jobs Compared
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians are the largest group, with 138,090 jobs in May 2025. The table adds related occupations that work on or around the same aircraft. BLS groups aviation inspectors with other transportation inspectors.
| Occupation | SOC Code | Employment | Median Annual Pay | Median Hourly Pay | Projected Growth, 2024 to 2034 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians | 49-3011 | 138,090 | $79,870 | $38.40 | 4% |
| Avionics Technicians | 49-2091 | 18,830 | $82,280 | $39.56 | 7.9% |
| Transportation Inspectors | 53-6051 | 24,500 | $92,100 | $44.28 | |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 17-3021 | 11,280 | $82,890 | $39.85 | |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers | 51-2011 | 34,020 | $65,380 | $31.43 |
Employers
Where Aircraft Mechanics Work
The largest employer group is support activities for air transportation, with 42,580 aircraft mechanic jobs. The four largest industries below hold 79.1% of all aircraft mechanic jobs.
| Industry | Jobs | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | 42,580 | $72,910 |
| Scheduled Air Transportation | 29,480 | $98,300 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | 24,910 | $82,720 |
| Federal Executive Branch | 12,240 | $76,210 |
| Nonscheduled Air Transportation | 6,420 | $80,180 |
| Couriers and Express Delivery Services | 3,980 | $90,190 |
| Employment Services | 2,640 | $57,840 |
| Technical and Trade Schools | 2,160 | $63,540 |
By State
States With the Most Aircraft Mechanic Jobs
These 8 states hold 54% of U.S. aircraft mechanic jobs. Select a state for its schools and local pay.
Outlook
Aircraft Mechanic Job Outlook
- Projections Central expects aircraft mechanic jobs to grow 4%, from 139,400 in 2024 to 145,000 in 2034, with about 11,300 openings a year from growth and replacement.
- The FAA issued 11,103 original mechanic certificates in 2025, up from 9,013 in 2024.
- Boeing's 2025 to 2044 outlook projects demand for 123,000 new maintenance technicians in North America over 20 years.
Keep Exploring
Find Training and Local Pay
Each state page lists its FAA-approved (Part 147) schools, distances from the largest metro, and local BLS pay.
Sources
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025
- Projections Central, State Occupational Employment Projections 2024-2034
- FAA U.S. Civil Airmen Statistics 2025 (2025_Active_Civil_Airmen_Statistics_FINAL.xlsx)
- Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook 2025-2044
All sources retrieved .
Every figure on this page comes from a published source listed above. Our data methodology explains how the school list, distances, pay data, and rankings are built.