Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn a median salary of $79,870 per year, ranking in the top 27% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +5.4% job growth through 2035, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn?

The median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $79,870. That puts aircraft mechanics and service technicians at #223 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is aircraft mechanics and service technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is +5.4%, projected to grow at roughly the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 140K positions in 2024 to 147K in 2034, a net change of 7K. Average growth signals a healthy, resilient occupation that mirrors broader U.S. employment trends. Job availability tends to track regional economic conditions.

What education does my child need to become aircraft mechanics and service technician?

Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
  $79,860 median
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  $74,340 median
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
  $74,330 median
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  $74,090 median
• Commercial Divers
  $72,990 median
• Precision Instrument and Equipment Repairers, All Other
  $68,990 median

Common questions parents ask about aircraft mechanics and service technicians