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

What is an aircraft technician and how to become one

Updated January 8, 2025

3 min read

These experts maintain and repair all types of aircraft, from planes to helicopters, balloons, and blimps. Their duties include diagnosing electrical and mechanical issues and replacing defective and worn parts. They conduct maintenance checks on aircraft to prevent problems before they happen. They may conduct testing on the communication and diagnostic systems of a plane. Also, they may decide to work on one specific part of a plane, such as an aircraft engine, structure, or frame. Additionally, they generate performance statistics and other operational data.

The minimum educational requirement for this role is a high school diploma or its equivalent. However, applicants can earn certificates in aircraft mechanics, aircraft technology, aviation science, or aviation mechanics. You must possess communication, troubleshooting, attention to detail, maths, and mechanical skills. Also, you must have at least two years of relevant work experience. You'll be earning $57,988 on average yearly. It ranges between $38,000 and $88,000.

ScoreAircraft TechnicianUS Average

Salary

3.9

Avg. Salary $50,212

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 6.81%

Black or African American 9.17%

Hispanic or Latino 23.45%

Unknown 5.06%

White 54.90%

Gender

female 5.87%

male 94.13%

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 technician

Explore aircraft technician education requirements

Most common aircraft technician degrees

Associate

39.2 %

Bachelor's

28.7 %

High School Diploma

15.6 %

Start to develop specific aircraft technician skills

Skills	Percentages
FAA	11.28%
Airframe	7.81%
Aircraft Components	7.01%
Aircraft Systems	5.47%
Ground Support Equipment	5.43%

Complete relevant aircraft technician training and internships

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

Gain additional aircraft technician certifications

Aircraft technician 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 technician certification, having one may help you stand out relative to other applicants.

The most common certifications for aircraft technicians include Certified Aviation Manager (CAM) and Unmanned Systems Aircraft Maintenance.

More About Certifications

Research aircraft technician duties and responsibilities

Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
Used micrometers, calipers and depth gauges to verify quality standards are met and document discrepancies.
Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in CH-47F engines and their components.
Perform structural repairs as required and prepare components for NDI inspections by cleaning and striping and repainting components after inspections.

Prepare your aircraft technician resume

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

Build a professional aircraft technician resume in minutes. Browse through our resume examples to identify the best way to word your resume. Then choose from 10+ resume templates to create your aircraft technician resume.