Is Becoming an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic a Good Career Plan?
Ever consider becoming an A&P mechanic? Learn all about the exciting opportunities the aviation maintenance field offers as well as how you can get started.
Pursuing a career as an aviation mechanic offers more than just a paycheck. It’s a path fueled by passion, skill and purpose.
If you're looking into aviation technician training, you're not only taking a step toward a career you’re interested in, but also toward a vital role that can help keep people safe in the skies.
Attending aviation training at Universal Technical Institute can help you learn skills to prepare for a career as an aviation technician.79 With programs ranging from 18-24 months, you’ll explore course topics like aircraft troubleshooting, turbine engine operation and powerplant lubrication systems.33
If this is a career path you’re considering, keep reading. We cover several benefits of becoming an aviation technician.
Average Salary
Having an idea of the median salary for an aviation mechanic can help you make a more informed choice when deciding if you want to pursue this career path.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for aviation maintenance technicians in the United States was $78,680 in May 2024.57 This means half earned more and half earned less. Keep in mind that salary depends on several factors, including experience, employer, demand and cost of living in the area, and career options and salaries may be limited without an FAA-issued mechanic certificate.79
Hands-On Work
If you’re someone who loves working with your hands, choosing to pursue a career as an aviation technician means that every day is active and engaging. You'll be on your feet and actively inspecting aircraft, diagnosing issues and performing repairs.
An Essential Role
With over 19,000 airports in the United States alone, the aviation industry needs technicians who can help maintain the aircraft flying in and out of them. Employers are looking for passionate employees with the right skills for the job. According to the BLS, total aviation technician employment is expected to exceed 148,000 by 2033.71
Safety in the Skies Comes Down to You
As an aviation maintenance technician, you’re contributing to flight safety. By performing meticulous inspections and maintenance, you ensure every aircraft is safe for takeoff. Pilots, crew and passengers depend on your expertise to bring them home safely. It's a career where precision means real-world impact.
Room for Career Growth
While you may start your career as an aviation technician, as with any industry, over time technicians may be able to advance in their careers with experience and hard work. Some advanced roles in the industry may include an aircraft restorer, helicopter mechanic or an aircraft electrical installer.77
Training Is Focused
Enrolling in a training program for aviation maintenance can help you on your path toward a career you’re excited about. What’s great is that you won’t have to spend years in school to prepare. UTI’s aviation training can be completed in 18-24 months, depending on the location. Graduates are prepared to apply and test for Airframe and Powerplant FAA certification!128
Get Your Aviation Technician Journey Off the Ground With UTI
Ready to train to turn your passion for aviation into a hands-on career?
With expert instructors and a curriculum tailored to meet industry standards, UTI’s aviation technician training equips you with the skills needed to step into an aviation career.79
Why wait? Enroll today.
Source URLS:
Median annual salary BLS: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm
19,000 airports: https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/by_the_numbers
Total employment BLS: https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes493011.htm
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1 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary.
2 ) For program outcome information and other disclosures, visit www.uti.edu/disclosures.
33 ) Courses vary by campus. For details, contact the program representative at the campus you are interested in attending.
57 ) Estimated annual salary is for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians as published in the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics’ May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wages. The Airframe & Powerplant and Aviation Maintenance Technology programs prepare graduates to pursue entry-level careers in the aviation industry or related fields. Graduates are eligible to apply and test for an FAA-issued mechanic certificate. Career options may be limited without an FAA-issued mechanic certificate, and salaries may be lower. Some graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than as aviation maintenance technicians, such as turbine technicians or field technicians. Entry-level salaries are lower for graduates. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. Graduates’ achievements vary. Individual circumstances and wages depend on economic factors, personal credentials, work experience, industry certifications, the location of the employer, and their compensation programs. Salary information for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts: The average annual entry-level salary for persons employed as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians (49-3011) in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is $63,810 (Massachusetts Labor and Workforce Development, May 2023 data https://lmi.dua.eol.mass.gov/lmi/OccupationalEmploymentAndWageAllIndustries/OEWResult?A=01&GA=000025&OG=493011&Dopt=TEXT#). Salary information for North Carolina: The U.S. Department of Labor estimates the hourly median wage for skilled aviation technicians in North Carolina is $33.33 (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, May 2024 Occupational Employment and Wages, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians). The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not publish entry-level salary data. However, the 25th and 10th percentile of hourly earnings in North Carolina are $29.39 and $22.98, respectively.
71 ) The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that total national employment for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians will be 148,700 by 2033. See Table 1.2 Occupational projections, 2023–33, and worker characteristics, 2023, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, www.bls.gov, viewed November 4, 2024. UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
77 ) UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment or salary. UTI prepares graduates for entry-level careers using the provided training. UTI graduates’ achievements may vary. Some UTI graduates get jobs within their field of study in positions other than those listed.
79 ) UTI aviation maintenance programs prepare graduates to apply and test for FAA mechanic certification. Graduates who don’t obtain certification may have fewer career opportunities. Some graduates get jobs in aviation or related industries other than as aviation maintenance technicians. UTI is an educational institution and cannot guarantee employment, salary or FAA certification.
128 ) UTI will pay for certain third-party FAA certification exam fees for qualifying students. See catalog for details and requirements.
Universal Technical Institute of Illinois, Inc. is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education.