Airline & general aviation
Aircraft Mechanic
Signing your name to something that has to not fail.
Typical pay
$55k-$110k
How you get in
FAA-approved A&P school, 18-24 months
Outlook
Strong; shortage of certificated mechanics
Steady openings
42/100A normal flow of openings each year, and the field is growing.
JobPOVs index, calculated from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2025-2035 for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians. It measures how many openings arise each year relative to the size of the field — not how many people apply. BLS does not publish a saturation figure.
A&P mechanics inspect, repair and overhaul aircraft under FAA regulation. Every task is documented and signed, and the accountability is personal — your certificate is attached to the work.
A day in the life
6:00a – 3:30p · 9 hours 30 min
- 6:00aShift turnover, review open write-ups
- 6:30aTroubleshoot a hydraulic leak on an overnight aircraft
- 9:00aScheduled inspection tasks on a check
- 12:00pLunch in the hangar
- 1:00pComponent replacement, then functional test
- 3:30pComplete logbook entries and sign off
How to get in
FAA Part 147 A&P school
Duration
18-24 months
Cost
$15,000-$50,000
Credential
FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate
- Complete an FAA-approved A&P program
- Pass the written, oral and practical exams for both ratings
- Start at a regional airline or MRO facility
- Add an Inspection Authorization after three years for higher pay
Military maintenance experience
Duration
4-6 years of service
Cost
$0 — paid and trained
Credential
A&P via documented experience
- Serve in an aviation maintenance role
- Document your experience for FAA eligibility
- Test for the A&P certificate using military experience in place of school
- Transition directly to airline or defense contractor work
Documented work experience
Duration
30 months minimum
Cost
$0-$3,000 for test prep
Credential
FAA A&P certificate
- Work under supervision at a repair station for 30 months on both airframe and powerplant
- Get FAA sign-off on your documented experience
- Pass the written, oral and practical exams
- Slower than school but no tuition
What people love
- · Strong pay with a two-year credential
- · Certificate is recognized nationwide
- · Airlines, corporate and military work all available
- · Shift differentials for nights
What wears people down
- · Nights, weekends and holidays early in seniority
- · Hangars are cold in winter and brutal in summer
- · Zero tolerance for documentation errors
- · Bought tools come out of your pocket