### Bureau of Labor Statistics U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Summary
                        
            
                                                        
                                                                
                        
            
            
            
                            
                                                
                                                
                                                
                                                
            						
							
				                                                
                                            




            			aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians imageAircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections.							
						Quick Facts:     Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians2023     Median Pay
            						$75,400     per year
										$36.25     per hourTypical Entry-Level Education
                                    See How to Become OneWork Experience in a Related Occupation
                                    NoneOn-the-job Training
                                    NoneNumber of Jobs, 2022
                                    161,000Job Outlook, 2022-32
                                    4% (As fast as average)Employment Change, 2022-32
                                    7,000What Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Do
                                                
                        
                        
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
            
                        Work Environment
                        
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. The environment can be loud because of aircraft engines and equipment.
            
                                                How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician
                                                
                        
Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved aviation maintenance technician school or on the job. Some learn through training received in the military.
            
                        Pay
                        												                            																				    														The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $75,020 in May 2023.									                                														The median annual wage for avionics technicians was $77,420 in May 2023.									                                					
						
            
                        Job Outlook
                        						
												Overall employment							of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow							 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
						About 12,800 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
            			
            			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
						State & Area Data
                       Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians.
            
            
						
                        Similar Occupations
                        
                                                    Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians with similar occupations.
            
            
                        More Information, Including Links to O*NET
                        
                                               
                        Learn more about aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
 What Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Do 
            

			aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians imageAircraft mechanics diagnose mechanical or electrical problems.			
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians repair and perform scheduled maintenance on aircraft.
Duties
Aircraft mechanics typically do the following:
Diagnose mechanical or electrical problems
Repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components
Replace defective parts, using hand tools or power tools
Examine replacement aircraft parts for defects
Read maintenance manuals to identify repair procedures
Test aircraft parts with gauges and other diagnostic equipment
Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
Keep records of maintenance and repair workAvionics technicians typically do the following:
Test electronic instruments, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, and voltmeters
Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems
Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes, and install software
Install instrument panels, using hand tools, power tools, and soldering irons
Repair or replace malfunctioning components
Keep records of maintenance and repair workAirplanes require reliable parts and maintenance in order to fly safely. To keep an airplane in operating condition, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They must follow detailed regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that dictate maintenance schedules for different operations.
Many mechanics are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as jets, piston-driven airplanes, and helicopters. Others specialize in one section, such as the engine, hydraulic system, or electrical system, of a particular type of aircraft. In independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many types of aircraft.
The following are examples of types of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians:
***Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanics*** are certified generalist mechanics who can independently perform many maintenance and alteration tasks on aircraft. A&P mechanics repair and maintain most parts of an aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, brakes, and air-conditioning system. Some specialized activities require additional experience and certification.
Maintenance schedules for aircraft may be based on hours flown, days since the last inspection, trips flown, or a combination of these factors. Maintenance also may need to be done at other times to address specific issues recognized by mechanics or manufacturers.
Mechanics use precision instruments to measure wear and identify defects. They may use x rays or magnetic or ultrasonic inspection equipment to discover cracks that cannot be seen on a plane’s exterior. They check for corrosion, distortion, and cracks in the aircraft’s main body, wings, and tail. They then repair the metal, fabric, wood, or composite materials that make up the airframe and skin.
After completing all repairs, mechanics test the equipment to ensure that it works properly and record all maintenance completed on an aircraft.
***Avionics technicians*** are specialists who repair and maintain a plane’s electronic instruments, such as radio communication devices and equipment, radar systems, and navigation aids. As the use of digital technology increases, more time is spent maintaining computer systems. The ability to repair and maintain many avionics and flight instrument systems is granted through the Airframe rating, but other licenses or certifications may be needed as well.
***Designated airworthiness representatives (DARs)*** examine, inspect, and test aircraft for airworthiness. They issue airworthiness certificates, which aircraft must have to fly. There are two types of DARs: manufacturing DARs and maintenance DARs.
***Inspection authorized (IA) mechanics*** are mechanics who have both Airframe and Powerplant certification and may perform inspections on aircraft and return them to service. IA mechanics are able to do a wider variety of maintenance activities and alterations than any other type of maintenance personnel. They can do comprehensive annual inspections or return aircraft to service after a major repair.
***Repairmen*** certificate holders may or may not have the A&P certificate or other certificates. Repairmen certificates are issued by certified repair stations to aviation maintenance personnel, and the certificates allow them to do specific duties. Repairmen certificates are valid only while the mechanic works at the issuing repair center and are not transferable to other employers.
 Work Environment
			Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and techniciansAircraft mechanics climb, reach, and balance on a plane’s exterior.			

	    
				
	
	
	
	
	
	
	    					 Aircraft mechanics and service technicians held about 140,200 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of aircraft mechanics and service technicians were as follows:
        Support activities for air transportation
                29%Scheduled air transportation
                18Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
                16Federal government, excluding postal service
                10Nonscheduled air transportation
                5Avionics technicians held about 20,800 jobs in 2022. The largest employers of avionics technicians were as follows:
        Support activities for air transportation
                34%Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
                32Professional, scientific, and technical services
                13Federal government
                7Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must meet strict deadlines while following safety standards.
Most of these mechanics and technicians work near major airports. They may work outside on the airfield, or in climate-controlled shops and hangars. Civilian aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians employed by the U.S. Armed Forces work on military installations.
Injuries and Illnesses
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians often lift heavy objects, handle dangerous chemicals, or operate large power tools. They may work on scaffolds or ladders, and noise and vibrations are common, especially when engines are being tested. Workers must take precautions against injuries, such as wearing ear protection and brightly colored vests to ensure that they are seen when working around large aircraft.
Work Schedules
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians usually work full time on rotating 8-hour shifts. Overtime and weekend work are common.
 How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician

			Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and techniciansSome aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade on the job.			
Some aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade at an Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved aviation maintenance technician school. Others are trained on the job or learn through training in the military. Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians typically are certified by the FAA. (See Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations (14 CFR), part 65, subparts D and E, for the most current requirements for becoming a certified mechanic.)
Education
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically enter the occupation after attending a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school. These schools award a certificate of completion that the FAA recognizes as an alternative to the experience requirements stated in regulations. The schools also grant holders the right to take the relevant FAA exams.
Avionics technicians typically earn an associate’s degree before entering the occupation. Aircraft controls, systems, and flight instruments have become increasingly digital and computerized. Workers who have the proper background in aviation flight instruments or computer repair are needed to maintain these complex systems.
Although not required, bachelor's degree study in engineering or a related field, such as transportation, may provide useful background knowledge.
Training
Some aircraft mechanics and service technicians enter the occupation with a high school diploma or equivalent and receive on-the-job training to learn their skills and to be able to pass the FAA exams. Aviation maintenance personnel who are not certified by the FAA work under supervision until they have enough experience and knowledge and become certified.
Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations
The FAA requires that aircraft maintenance be done either by a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations or under the supervision of such a mechanic.
The FAA offers separate certifications for bodywork (Airframe mechanics, or “A”) and engine work (Powerplant mechanics, or “P”), but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) ratings. The A&P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards.
Mechanics must be at least 18 years of age, be fluent in English, and have 30 months of experience to qualify for either the A or the P rating or both (the A&P rating). Completion of a program at a Part 147 FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can substitute for the experience requirement and shorten the time requirements for becoming eligible to take the FAA exams.
Applicants must pass written, oral, and practical exams that demonstrate the required skills within a timeframe of 2 years.
To keep their certification, mechanics must have completed relevant repair or maintenance work within the previous 24 months. To fulfill this requirement, mechanics may take classes from their employer, a school, or an aircraft manufacturer.
The Inspection Authorization (IA) is available to mechanics who have had their A&P ratings for at least 3 years and meet other requirements. These mechanics are able to review and approve many major repairs and alterations.
Avionics technicians typically are certified through a repair station for the specific work they perform on aircraft, or they hold the Airframe rating to work on an aircraft’s electronic and flight instrument systems. An Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) certification is available through the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM). It certifies that aviation mechanics have a basic level of knowledge in the subject area, but it is not required by the FAA for any specific tasks. Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment may need to have the proper radiotelephone operator certification issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Work Experience in a Related Occupation
Some avionics technicians begin their careers as aircraft mechanics and service technicians. As aircraft mechanics and service technicians gain experience, they may attend classes or otherwise choose to pursue additional certifications that grant privileges to work on specialized flight instruments. Eventually, they may become avionics technicians who work exclusively on flight instruments.
Advancement
As aircraft mechanics gain experience, they may advance to lead mechanic, lead inspector, or shop supervisor. Opportunities to advance may be best for those who have an inspection authorization (IA). Mechanics with broad experience in maintenance and repair may become inspectors or examiners for the FAA.
Important Qualities
***Detail oriented.*** Mechanics and technicians need to adjust airplane parts to exact specifications. For example, they often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to a specified tension.
***Dexterity.*** Mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts.
***Observational skills.*** Mechanics and technicians must recognize engine noises, read gauges, and collect other information to determine whether an aircraft’s systems are working properly.
***Strength.*** Mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling.
 Pay

			



	
 
                                                     
            
    
                        Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and TechniciansMedian annual wages, May 2023Avionics technicians$77,420  Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians$75,400  Aircraft mechanics and service technicians$75,020  Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations$53,920  Total, all occupations$48,060Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
 

	
	



		
	
	
	
The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians was $75,020 in May 2023. 


The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $45,760, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $114,750.The median annual wage for avionics technicians was $77,420 in May 2023. 


The lowest 10 percent earned less than $46,570, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $107,370.





		
	    					 In May 2023, the median annual wages for aircraft mechanics and service technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Scheduled air transportation
                $101,500Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
                77,330Nonscheduled air transportation
                76,450Federal government, excluding postal service
                69,330Support activities for air transportation
                63,580In May 2023, the median annual wages for avionics technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:	
        Professional, scientific, and technical services
                $85,260Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
                82,090Federal government
                66,150Support activities for air transportation
                64,760Mechanics and technicians usually work full time on rotating 8-hour shifts. Overtime and weekend work are common.
 Job Outlook

   
        
    
          
        
    
                     Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and TechniciansPercent change in employment, projected 2022-32Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations4%  Aircraft mechanics and service technicians4%  Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians4%  Avionics technicians4%  Total, all occupations3%Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
            
            
			 
	
	
	

			Overall employment				of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow				 4 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
			
			About 12,800 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade.
			
			 Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
			Employment
	
			
As air traffic increases, more workers are expected to be needed to maintain a growing number of aircraft.
			

                        Employment projections data for     aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, 2022-32
                Occupational Title
                        SOC Code
                        Employment, 2022
                        Projected Employment, 2032
                        Change, 2022-32
                        Employment by IndustryPercent
                        NumericSOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program**Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians**
			—
			161,000
			168,000
			4
			7,000
			—**Avionics technicians**
			49-2091
			20,800
			21,700
			4
			900
			Get data**Aircraft mechanics and service technicians**
			49-3011
			140,200
			146,200
			4
			6,100
			Get data
 State & Area Data **Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS)** The Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program produces employment and wage estimates annually for over 800 occupations. These estimates are available for the nation as a whole, for individual states, and for metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas. The link(s) below go to OES data maps for employment and wages by state and area. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
					Avionics technicians **Projections Central** Occupational employment projections are developed for all states by Labor Market Information (LMI) or individual state Employment Projections offices. All state projections data are available at www.projectionscentral.com. Information on this site allows projected employment growth for an occupation to be compared among states or to be compared within one state. In addition, states may produce projections for areas; there are links to each state’s websites where these data may be retrieved. **CareerOneStop** CareerOneStop includes hundreds of occupational profiles with data available by state and metro area. There are links in the left-hand side menu to compare occupational employment by state and occupational wages by local area or metro area. There is also a salary info tool to search for wages by zip code.
 Similar Occupations This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians. Occupation
                Job Duties
                ENTRY-LEVEL EDUCATION
                2023     MEDIAN PAY**Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians**
            Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians run and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft.
            Associate's degree
            $77,830**Automotive Body and Glass Repairers**
            Automotive body and glass repairers restore, refinish, and replace vehicle bodies and frames, windshields, and window glass.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $48,450**Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Automotive service technicians and mechanics inspect, maintain, and repair cars and light trucks.
            Postsecondary nondegree award
            $47,770**Diesel Service Technicians and Mechanics**
            Diesel service technicians and mechanics inspect, repair, and overhaul buses, trucks, or any vehicle with a diesel engine.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $58,970**Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians help engineers design and develop equipment that is powered by electricity or electric current.
            Associate's degree
            $72,800**Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers**
            Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment.
            See How to Become One
            $67,220**Electricians**
            Electricians install, maintain, and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, and control systems.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,590**Electro-mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians**
            Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians operate, test, and maintain electromechanical or robotic equipment.
            Associate's degree
            $65,080**Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians**
            Heavy vehicle and mobile equipment service technicians inspect, maintain, and repair vehicles and machinery used in construction, farming, and other industries.
            High school diploma or equivalent
            $61,000**Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians**
            Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture machines and other devices.
            Associate's degree
            $64,020
 Contacts for More Information
								
For more information about aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians, visit
Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association
Aviation Maintenance Magazine
Federal Aviation Administration
National Business Aviation Association
American Society for Testing and Materials
Professional Aviation Maintenance Association
Occupational Requirements Survey
For a profile highlighting selected BLS data on occupational requirements, see
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians (PDF)
CareerOneStop
For a career video on avionics technicians, visit
Avionics Technicians

                                                
                                                        
                                                                                                    O*NET
                                        Aircraft Mechanics and Service TechniciansAvionics Technicians
 Suggested citation: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S.  Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians, 
        	 at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipment-mechanics-and-technicians.htm (visited *May 21, 2024*).
 **Last Modified Date:**
                        Wednesday, April 17, 2024


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