How To Become An Aircraft Engine Mechanic: What It Is and Career Path

What is an aircraft engine mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

Aircraft engine mechanics inspect, maintain, repair, and upgrade the engine of an aircraft. Their specific duties often include running diagnostic tests on engines, identifying possible issues, installing new parts, conducting necessary repairs, and recommending engine upgrades. That said, the role of an aircraft engine mechanic requires extensive technical knowledge and practical skills in aircraft engine maintenance.

Furthermore, an aircraft engine mechanic may also be responsible for leading and training subordinate personnel. They also keep accurate and complete maintenance records of all the engines that they work on, which is necessary to ensure the optimum performance of the aircraft at all times.

The credentials that an aircraft engine mechanic must have are a high school diploma (at the very least), completion of a relevant training program or apprenticeship, and proven experience in aircraft engine maintenance. Many aircraft engine mechanics have degrees or certifications in aviation, automotive technology, and mechanical engineering.

The average salary of an aircraft engine mechanic ranges between $44,000 and $64,000 per year. They can usually find job opportunities in hangars, repair stations, or on runways and airfields.

ScoreAircraft Engine MechanicUS Average

Salary

4.4

Avg. Salary $56,092

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.2

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.63%

Asian 7.16%

Black or African American 9.83%

Hispanic or Latino 22.50%

Unknown 5.12%

White 54.77%

Gender

female 12.11%

male 87.89%

Age - 39

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 3.00%

Asian 7.00%

Black or African American 14.00%

Hispanic or Latino 19.00%

White 57.00%

Gender

female 47.00%

male 53.00%

Age - 39

Stress level

7.8

Stress level is high

7.1 - high

Complexity level

6.9

Complexity level is challenging

7 - challenging

Work life balance

4.2

Work life balance is poor

6.4 - fair

Key steps to become an aircraft engine mechanic

Explore aircraft engine mechanic education requirements

Most common aircraft engine mechanic degrees

Associate

41.0 %

Bachelor's

28.0 %

High School Diploma

19.9 %

Start to develop specific aircraft engine mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Troubleshoot	10.24%
Hand Tools	8.80%
Security Clearance	7.69%
Test Equipment	5.01%
Ladders	4.53%

Complete relevant aircraft engine mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New aircraft engine mechanics learn the skills and techniques required for their job and employer during this time. The chart below shows how long it takes to gain competency as an aircraft engine mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real aircraft engine mechanic resumes.

Research aircraft engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
Qualify in CPR and up to first responders level.
Perform depot level overhaul contract maintenance on foreign and domestic customer jet engines.

Prepare your aircraft engine mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your aircraft engine mechanic resume.

You can use Zippia's AI resume builder to make the resume writing process easier while also making sure that you include key information that hiring managers expect to see on an aircraft engine mechanic resume. You'll find resume tips and examples of skills, responsibilities, and summaries, all provided by Zippi, your career sidekick.

Choose from 10+ customizable aircraft engine mechanic resume templates

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