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Airline mechanic education requirements
Updated January 8, 2025
3 min read
There are several educational requirements to become an airline mechanic. Airline mechanics usually study aviation, automotive technology, or liberal arts. 59% of airline mechanics hold a associate degree, and 18% hold an high school diploma. We analyzed 63 real airline mechanic resumes to see exactly what airline mechanic education sections show.
The most common colleges for airline mechanics are the Eastern New Mexico University and the Eastern New Mexico University.
There are also many online airline mechanic courses to help get the education required to be an airline mechanic.
What education do you need to become an airline mechanic?
What degree do you need to be an airline mechanic?
- Associate, 59%
- High School Diploma, 18%
- Bachelor's, 14%
- Diploma, 9%
What should I major in to become an airline mechanic?
- Aviation, 30%
- Liberal Arts, 11%
- Other Majors, 30%
Most common colleges for airline mechanics
| Airline mechanic common college | Percentages |
|---|---|
| Eastern New Mexico University | 20.00% |
| University of the District of Columbia | 20.00% |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach | 20.00% |
| Metropolitan State University of Denver | 20.00% |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology | 20.00% |
Best majors for airline mechanics
| Rank | Major | Percentages |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aviation | 29.6% |
| 2 | Automotive Technology | 22.2% |
| 3 | Liberal Arts | 11.1% |
| 4 | Industrial Technology | 7.4% |
| 5 | Information Systems | 3.7% |
Best colleges for airline mechanics
The best colleges for airline mechanics are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.
An airline mechanic with advanced education typically earns a higher salary and has access to better jobs. That's why Zippia looked into the best colleges for airline mechanics. We based this list on several metrics: admissions rate, retention rate, mean earnings of graduates, the ratio of working vs. non-working students ten years after admission, the average cost of attendance, and median debt for graduates who become airline mechanics.
1. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Enrollment
33,495
2. Ohio State University
Columbus, OH • Private
In-state tuition
$10,726
Enrollment
45,769
3. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Enrollment
9,394
4. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$51,354
Enrollment
7,083
5. SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill
Cobleskill, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,654
Enrollment
2,231
6. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
In-state tuition
$50,420
Enrollment
7,582
7. Kansas State University
Manhattan, KS • Private
In-state tuition
$10,383
Enrollment
17,611
8. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL • Private
In-state tuition
$15,094
Enrollment
32,974
9. San Jose State University
San Jose, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,796
Enrollment
27,125
10. Utah State University
Logan, UT • Private
In-state tuition
$8,138
Enrollment
21,658
20 best online courses for airline mechanics
Advertising disclosure
1. Flight Mechanics - Anemobarometry
This course focuses on the physics of the atmosphere and its consequences on speed and altitude measurements. At the end of this course, you will understand precisely the meaning of the speed and altitude indication available to the pilot of an airplane. You will understand the difference between standard and actual atmosphere and be able to perform basic altitude and speed correction computations. You will understand why jet airliners need to be pressurized, or why a clogged Pitot tube can...
2. Quantum Mechanics for Engineers
This Specialization is intended for engineers seeking to acquire fundamental understanding of quantum mechanics which are the basis of modern electrical, mechanical and quantum engineering. Through 3 courses, you will learn (1) basic concepts such as superposition and entanglement of quantum states, measurement in quantum mechanics and uncertainty principle, (2) mathematical tools needed to describe and manipulate quantum states, (3) advanced theory of angular momentum and (4) approximation...
3. Aerospace Engineering: Airplanes, Airlines and Airports
Understand how Airplanes generate Lift, how Airlines and Airports operate and what is Aerospace Engineering today...
4. Airline Operations: Flight Planning and Flight Dispatch
Airline Operations: Master the essentials of aviation - aircraft operational control and dispatch...
5. Quantum Mechanics
Course 2 of Statistical Thermodynamics presents an introduction to quantum mechanics at a level appropriate for those with mechanical or aerospace engineering backgrounds. Using a postulatory approach that describes the steps to follow, the Schrodinger wave equation is derived and simple solutions obtained that illustrate atomic and molecular structural behavior. More realistic behavior is also explored along with modern quantum chemistry numerical solution methods for solving the wave equation...
6. Modelling and simulation of mechanical systems
The course provides the principles of modelling and simulation of modern mechatronic systems, which are mechanical systems integrated with several types of sensors and actuators. The aim of the course is to show different methodologies to improve the potential of mechanical systems by transforming them into mechatronic systems based on virtual models. In particular, the lessons will be focused on case studies in three engineering fields: robotics, controlled electro-hydraulic actuators and...
7. Reliability and Maintenance Engineering - FMEA
Failure Mode and Effects Analysis - A mechanical engineering approach to risk management of plant and machinery...
8. Mechanics / Statics - Introduction to Mechanical Engineering
Engineering Solid Mechanics / Engineering Statics...
9. Flight Mechanics - From Theory to Certification of Aircraft
Modeling theory, aircraft 6DOF simulation, flight dynamics, flight simulators and aircraft certification...
10. Maintenance Management Basics
Crucial knowledge and practices for successful maintenance department...
11. Maintenance Planning Basics
Understanding maintenance planning basics of successful maintenance department...
12. The Complete Engineering Mechanics Course
Master the fundamentals of mechanics, statics and applied physics and then solve real-world mechanics problems...
13. Aerospace Engineering: Aircraft Fundamentals and Advanced
Aerospace and Aeronautical Engineering: Master the Mechanics of Airplanes - Aerodynamics, Flight Maneuvers, JET Engines...
14. Python for Mechanical Engineers
Learn Python to solve problems in mechanical fields...
15. Real World SAP - Plant Maintenance Orders and Notifications
Learn SAP PM / EAM with a focus on real world scenarios...
16. Mechanical design and Product development process
Learn the basic ideas and concepts behind developing mechanical products related to mechanical engineering...
17. Basics of Material selection for mechanical design engineers
Learn about the fundamentals of materials and their selection for mechanical engineering design for design engineers...
18. Diesel Engine Fundamentals (Mechanical Engineering)
Learn about the diesel engine! Ideal for Automotive Engineering and Automobile Engineering!...
19. Electronic & Electrical Devices Maintenance & Troubleshooting
This course will give you everything you need to start playing with electronics components and fix electronic devices...
20. SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) Module Online Classes
Functional Module SAP Plant Maintenance(PM) with Configuration...
Top 10 most affordable universities for airline mechanics
The most affordable schools for airline mechanics are SUNY Farmingdale, hunter college of the city university of new york, and university of florida.
If the best universities for airline mechanics are out of your price range, check out these affordable schools. After factoring in in-state tuition and fees, the average cost of attendance, admissions rate, average net price, and mean earnings after six years, we found that these are the most affordable schools for airline mechanics.
1. SUNY Farmingdale
Farmingdale, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$8,306
Cost of attendance
16,091
2. Hunter College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,182
Cost of attendance
13,998
3. University of Florida
Gainesville, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,381
Cost of attendance
21,034
4. California State University - Bakersfield
Bakersfield, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$7,309
Cost of attendance
16,714
5. Baruch College of the City University of New York
New York, NY • Private
In-state tuition
$7,262
Cost of attendance
14,046
6. California State University - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA • Private
In-state tuition
$6,749
Cost of attendance
14,823
7. Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$5,656
Cost of attendance
21,623
8. University of Puerto Rico - Mayaguez
Mayaguez, PR • Private
In-state tuition
$4,094
Cost of attendance
14,302
9. University of South Florida
Tampa, FL • Private
In-state tuition
$6,410
Cost of attendance
20,456
10. Purdue University
West Lafayette, IN • Private
In-state tuition
$9,992
Cost of attendance
22,430
Top 10 hardest universities to get into for airline mechanics
The hardest universities for airline mechanics to get into are Stanford University, Northwestern University, and Vanderbilt University.
Some great schools for airline mechanics are hard to get into, but they also set your career up for greater success. The list below shows the most challenging universities to get into for airline mechanics based on an institution's admissions rates, average SAT scores accepted, median ACT scores accepted, and mean earnings of students six years after admission.
1. Stanford University
Stanford, CA • Private
Admissions rate
4%
SAT average
1,497
2. Northwestern University
Evanston, IL • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,508
3. Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN • Private
Admissions rate
10%
SAT average
1,514
4. Harvard University
Cambridge, MA • Private
Admissions rate
5%
SAT average
1,520
5. Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, MD • Private
Admissions rate
11%
SAT average
1,513
6. Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA • Private
Admissions rate
17%
SAT average
1,507
7. University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA • Private
Admissions rate
8%
SAT average
1,492
8. Columbia University in the City of New York
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
6%
SAT average
1,512
9. Northeastern University
Boston, MA • Private
Admissions rate
19%
SAT average
1,466
10. Georgetown University
Washington, DC • Private
Admissions rate
15%
SAT average
1,456
Top 10 easy-to-apply-to universities for airline mechanics
The easiest schools for airline mechanics to get into are Barry University, adventhealth university, and notre dame de namur university.
Some schools are much easier to get into. If you want to start your career as an airline mechanic without much hassle, check out the list of schools where you will be accepted in no time. We compiled admissions rates, average SAT scores, average ACT scores, and average salary of students six years after graduation to uncover which were the easiest schools to get into for airline mechanics.
1. Barry University
Miami, FL • Private
Admissions rate
91%
SAT average
1,006
2. AdventHealth University
Orlando, FL • Private
Admissions rate
87%
SAT average
1,016
3. Notre Dame de Namur University
Belmont, CA • Private
Admissions rate
82%
SAT average
983
4. Notre Dame College
Cleveland, OH • Private
Admissions rate
90%
SAT average
994
5. Cardinal Stritch University
Milwaukee, WI • Private
Admissions rate
71%
SAT average
1,035
6. Our Lady of the Lake University
San Antonio, TX • Private
Admissions rate
93%
SAT average
1,002
7. D'Youville College
Buffalo, NY • Private
Admissions rate
100%
SAT average
1,072
8. Nyack College
New York, NY • Private
Admissions rate
98%
SAT average
999
9. Gwynedd Mercy University
Gwynedd Valley, PA • Private
Admissions rate
92%
SAT average
1,031
10. Life University
Marietta, GA • Private
Admissions rate
94%
SAT average
979
Average airline mechanic salary by education level
| Airline mechanic education level | Airline mechanic salary |
|---|---|
| High School Diploma or Less | $56,066 |
| Bachelor's Degree | $62,425 |
| Some College/ Associate Degree | $62,392 |
Airline mechanic education FAQs
Have more questions? See all answers to common installation, maintenance and repair questions.
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Updated January 8, 2025
Updated January 8, 2025