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Aviation Mechanic (A&P Mechanic)

A&P mechanics (Airframe and Powerplant) maintain and repair aircraft engines, airframes, and avionics. Every aircraft in US skies must be signed off by an FAA-certificated A&P mechanic — making this one of the most legally essential technical certifications in America.

$71,750 Median Salary

174K US Jobs

18 months–2 years Training

$15,000–$45,000 Typical Cost

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💰 Salary & Earning Potential

Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Figures represent national averages — local wages vary by state, city, and employer.

Entry-level AMTs at regional airlines or general aviation shops typically earn $22–$28 per hour. Experienced mechanics at major airlines — Delta, United, American — earn $40–$60+ per hour under union contracts, with total compensation packages including comprehensive benefits reaching $120,000+ annually. Business aviation and Part 145 repair stations pay $55,000–$95,000 for experienced mechanics. Avionics technicians with FCC licensure earn a premium. Geographic concentration around aviation hubs — Dallas, Atlanta, Seattle, Phoenix — reflects where the highest-paying jobs cluster.

Entry Level

$51,000

Median

$71,750

Experienced

$97,000

Want your state's salary? Select a state below to see local wage data, demand, and training programs.

📈 Job Outlook

Projected Growth (10yr)

Average

174K

Total US Jobs

Active positions nationwide

FAA A&P Certificate

Required Credential

FAA A&P Certificate (Airframe + Powerplant)

The aviation maintenance industry faces a significant technician shortage driven by both the aging workforce and strong demand from commercial, cargo, and business aviation. Boeing and the FAA have both projected shortfalls of tens of thousands of AMTs over the next decade. The growth of air cargo driven by e-commerce is sustaining high aircraft utilization rates that drive maintenance demand. Business aviation is expanding, and the introduction of electric and hybrid aircraft platforms will create new maintenance disciplines in coming years. AMTs with powerplant and avionics cross-training are especially competitive in the job market.

🎓 Training & Education

Typical Program

Aviation Maintenance Technology AAS (FAA Part 147)

Program Length

18 months–2 years

Typical Tuition

$15,000–$45,000

Work Setting

Airlines, MRO facilities, corporate aviation, military contractors

Becoming an FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant mechanic requires completing an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician school — typically an 18-to-24-month program — followed by passing written, oral, and practical examinations administered by an FAA Designated Mechanic Examiner. Programs cover aircraft structures, hydraulics, electrical systems, powerplants, and propellers. Alternatively, candidates can accumulate 18 months of documented work experience on airframes or powerplants before testing. Military aviation mechanics receive training equivalent to the FAA program and often convert military training into civilian AMT certificates.

🏆 Credential Required: FAA A&P Certificate (Airframe + Powerplant)

☀️ Day in the Life

An Aviation Mechanic begins each shift by reviewing the maintenance discrepancy log for aircraft in their care, prioritizing airworthiness items. They pull technical manuals specific to the aircraft type and use them as the authoritative reference for every task. An engine inspection might involve borescoping cylinders for wear, checking magneto timing with a dial indicator, and verifying ignition harness condition. They inspect control surfaces for play, check cable tensions with a tensiometer, examine landing gear retraction systems, and run engine ground runs. Every action is documented in the aircraft's logbook — FAA regulations require an authorized AMT signature for return to service. Troubleshooting avionics squawks, replacing tires, and servicing hydraulic systems round out a typical day.

⚖️ Pros & Cons

Pros

Industry-leading wages under union contracts: Major airline AMT contracts provide hourly wages and benefit packages that rival many four-year-degree careers.
Critical role in aviation safety: Aviation mechanics hold the authority to certify aircraft for flight, giving the role a genuine sense of professional weight and importance.
Strong and growing job market: The documented technician shortage gives qualified AMTs significant negotiating power and choice of employer and location.
Travel benefits at airlines: Airline employees and family members typically receive free or discounted standby travel — a valuable perk for those who love flying.
Clear FAA certification structure: FAA certificates and ratings provide transparent markers of qualification that employers recognize and reward consistently.

Cons

Shift work around aircraft schedules: Airlines operate 24/7, and maintenance often occurs overnight when aircraft are on the ground, requiring late-night and early-morning shifts.
Physical demands in tight spaces: Working in engine nacelles, wheel wells, and cramped avionics bays involves sustained awkward postures and physical exertion.
High consequence for errors: Aviation safety culture means mistakes can have catastrophic outcomes, creating sustained performance pressure.
FAA documentation requirements: The regulatory burden of paperwork, logbook entries, and parts traceability documentation adds time and administrative discipline requirements to every task.

📍 Brooksville, FL

Certificate 1-<2yr

How to compare these options

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