Military Aircraft Mechanics
Military Career
General Information
Description
Aircraft mechanics supervise or perform the inspection, service, and repair of the Military's fleet of helicopters and airplanes. These mechanics troubleshoot and maintain the aircraft’s structure, engines, and other components, including mission-critical features such as weapons and electronic warfare, and coatings for stealth purposes.
Work Environment
Aircraft mechanics work in aircraft hangars and machine shops located on air bases or aboard aircraft carriers. They may work outside on the airfield, or in climate-controlled shops and hangars.
Workplace at a Glance
What you can expect to experience while on the job
- Responsibility
- Exposure to job hazards
- Physical activity
- Decision making
- Repetitiveness
- Level of competition
- Time pressure
Comparable Industries
- Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
Military Outlook
Service Branches
Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.
Army
Marine Corps
Navy
Air Force
Coast Guard
Space ForceMilitary Status
- Enlisted
- Hands-on/specialized
- High school diploma required
Military Workforce
Aircraft Mechanics in the Military
91,312
Salary
Salary Information
Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.
$60,352
Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.
$22,641 - $229,900
What makes up a Military salary?
Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.
They also offer:
- Housing allowances
- Subsistence allowances
- Special and incentive pays
- Cost-of-living allowances
- Hazardous-duty pay
- Bonuses
Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator
Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits
Education
Most Common Education Levels
People in this career achieve this level of education.
-
Post-secondary certificate 49%
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High school 18%
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Associate's degree 16%
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Some college 12%
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Bachelor's degree 3%
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Master's degree 0%
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Doctoral degree 0%
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Post baccalaureate 0%
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Less than high school 0%
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Post-doctoral training 0%
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Post-master's certificate 0%
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First professional degree 0%
Military training
All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Aircraft mechanics are offered advanced technical training that prepares them to maintain specific aircraft types and systems. Training content may include: Repair of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systemsRepair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coveringsPrecision measurement and equipment calibrationEngine disassembly, inspection, and repairSoldering techniques
Read MoreSkills at a Glance
Skills helpful in this career
- Verbal skills
- Critical thinking & problem solving
- Equipment operation & maintenance
- Math & science skills
- Technology design & control
- Leadership
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
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