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

What is an aircraft structure mechanic and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

4 min read

Aviation structural mechanics are responsible for the maintenance of airplanes and other aircraft. Their duties include managing and repairing structural components, flight surfaces, landing gear systems, and working with hydraulic and pneumatic control systems and mechanisms. These professionals maintain aircraft structures, including fuselages, fixed and moveable flight surfaces, doors, panels, tail booms, decks, and seats. Aircraft structure mechanics also work on flight controls and related mechanisms, as well as hydraulic power storage, auxiliary, and emergency systems.

Aircraft structure mechanics typically work on-site at an airport, a refit facility, or a military airbase and should possess excellent communication, analytical, and troubleshooting skills. They work with management, engineers, and pilots to ensure that all aspects of an aircraft are functioning efficiently and safely. These professionals also are expected to follow strict quality and safety protocols and perform daily special or hourly aircraft inspections.

Most aircraft structure mechanics have graduated from an accredited program in aircraft maintenance and engineering or have obtained comparable experience in the military or through other occupations. These individuals also require licensing to work on specific aircraft, and they must have expert knowledge and skills in aircraft maintenance and repair.

Aircraft structure mechanics can make up to $58,000 per year in the US, and the career field is expected to grow 3% by 2028.

ScoreAircraft Structure MechanicUS Average

Salary

4.9

Avg. Salary $62,809

Avg. Salary $59,228

Stability level

7.8

Growth rate 6%

Growth rate 0.3%

Diversity

8.1

Race

American Indian and Alaska Native 0.62%

Asian 6.77%

Black or African American 9.10%

Hispanic or Latino 23.27%

Unknown 5.05%

White 55.20%

Gender

female 8.30%

male 91.70%

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 structure mechanic

Explore aircraft structure mechanic education requirements

Most common aircraft structure mechanic degrees

Associate

36.9 %

High School Diploma

26.0 %

Bachelor's

22.5 %

Start to develop specific aircraft structure mechanic skills

Skills	Percentages
Calipers	23.22%
Jigs	21.30%
Stabilizers	9.27%
Hand Tools	6.16%
Engineering Drawings	3.14%

Complete relevant aircraft structure mechanic training and internships

Accountants spend an average of 6-12 months on post-employment, on-the-job training. New aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data and data from real aircraft structure mechanic resumes.

Gain additional aircraft structure mechanic certifications

Aircraft structure mechanic certifications can show employers you have a baseline of knowledge expected for the position. Certifications can also make you a more competitive candidate. Even if employers don't require a specific aircraft structure mechanic certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for aircraft structure mechanics include Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and Mechanical Inspector Certification (CMI).

More About Certifications

Research aircraft structure mechanic duties and responsibilities

Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Work as an aircraft mechanic in the USAF.
Act as liaison between USAF shop personnel and company management.

Prepare your aircraft structure mechanic resume

When your background is strong enough, you can start writing your aircraft structure 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 structure 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 structure mechanic resume templates

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