A Growth Industry: Learn about Opportunities in Aviation Maintenance

Did you know Aviation Maintenance is one of the highest-paying jobs in aviation?

Staff Sgt. Sean Donovan directs a crane into position while preparing to mount an engine on a C-5 Galaxy on May 12, 2006, at Ramstein Air Base Germany.  Sergeant Donovan is a jet engine mechanic assigned to the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John E. Lasky)

Staff Sgt. Sean Donovan directs a crane into position while preparing to mount an engine on a C-5 Galaxy on May 12, 2006, at Ramstein Air Base Germany. Sergeant Donovan is a jet engine mechanic assigned to the 723rd Air Mobility Squadron. (U.S. Air Force photo/Master Sgt. John E. Lasky)

Mechanics have a variety of specialties available to choose from. They may complete an apprenticeship and/or formal training for the desired area of expertise. Many aircraft mechanics provide a wide variety of skills and may work for the military, small local companies or large airlines.

The Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul (MRO) Market was US$135.1 Billion in 2015, three quarters of the $180.3 B aircraft production market. Of this, 60% is for civil aviation : air transport 48%, business and general aviation 9%, rotorcraft 3% ; and military aviation is 40% : fixed wing 27% and rotary 13%. Of the $64.3 Billion air transport MRO market, 40% is for engines, 22% for components, 17% for line, 14% for airframe and 7% for modifications. It is projected to grow at 4.1% per annum till 2025 to $96B.

Salary Expectations

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics – Occupational and Employment Wages Webpage, the median wage for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians was $60,760 in May 2016.  Another salary research shows the median annual Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) salary to be at $81,682, as of May 30, 2017.  It also found that the median hourly wage for a Aircraft Mechanic (Jet) is $39, with a range usually between $34$44 an hour. The pay can vary widely depending on a variety of factors including the location’s State,  the employee’s training, and experience.

The 2016 Boeing Pilot and Technician Outlook forecasts that between now and 2035, the aviation industry will need to supply more than two million new aviation personnel—617,000 commercial airline pilots, 679,000 maintenance technicians, and 814,000 cabin crew.

Here’s a great video about the importance, and opportunities in airplane maintenance: