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Job outlook for aviation mechanics in the United States
Aviation mechanic job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected aviation mechanic job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 9,000 new jobs for aviation mechanics are projected over the next decade.
Aviation mechanic salaries have increased 10% for aviation mechanics in the last 5 years.
There are over 42,972 aviation mechanics currently employed in the United States.
There are 35,647 active aviation mechanic job openings in the US.
The average aviation mechanic salary is $54,534.
Are aviation mechanic jobs in demand?
Aviation mechanic job and salary trends over time
Aviation mechanic jobs over time
Aviation mechanic job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 42,972 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 43,951 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 45,668 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 45,113 | 0.01% |
| 2017 | 45,048 | 0.01% |
Average aviation mechanic salary over time
Aviation mechanic salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $54,534 | $26.22 | +3.7% |
| 2024 | $52,605 | $25.29 | +1.9% |
| 2023 | $51,645 | $24.83 | +3.1% |
| 2022 | $50,085 | $24.08 | +1.4% |
| 2021 | $49,387 | $23.74 | +3.1% |
Aviation mechanic jobs by state
Most common states for aviation mechanics
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 683 | 22% |
| 2 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 197 | 19% |
| 3 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 123 | 16% |
| 4 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 266 | 15% |
| 5 | Alaska | 739,795 | 112 | 15% |
| 6 | Vermont | 623,657 | 94 | 15% |
| 7 | Delaware | 961,939 | 134 | 14% |
| 8 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 83 | 14% |
| 9 | Georgia | 10,429,379 | 1,350 | 13% |
| 10 | Indiana | 6,666,818 | 891 | 13% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 641 | 13% |
| 12 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 253 | 13% |
| 13 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 180 | 13% |
| 14 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 868 | 12% |
| 15 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 483 | 12% |
| 16 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 367 | 12% |
| 17 | Maine | 1,335,907 | 155 | 12% |
| 18 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 545 | 11% |
| 19 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 513 | 11% |
| 20 | Connecticut | 3,588,184 | 378 | 11% |
Most common cities for aviation mechanics
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Palm Beach | 2 | 2% | $48,491 |
| 2 | Anchorage | 1 | 0% | $35,372 |
| 3 | Chicago | 1 | 0% | $49,996 |
Aviation Mechanic job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of aviation mechanic experts
Guilford Technical Community College
Nicolas Yale
GTCC Director of Aviation ProgramsGuilford Technical Community College
Aviation Campus
What skills stand out on Aviation Mechanic resumes?
Nicolas Yale: Focus on your historical work that compliments your current desired path into aviation. Pilots need to focus on past resource management (strict task sharing roles) and working in a regimented and forward-thinking position (thinking ahead of the current situation). Technicians need to focus on technical or mechanical experiences that show an ability to troubleshoot and isolate failures, previous experience in researching technical data, and diagrams for system understanding/troubleshooting. Of course, put your licensing and certifications gained from your recent training first and foremost to show drive to move into the new field of work.
What soft skills should all Aviation Mechanics possess?
Nicolas Yale: Employers want someone who arrives early to work, not running to get ready when they start. Be a self-starter and a person who is always prepared to contribute every day. Employers need those who not only think of the current job and tasks needed to complete it but think of what is needed, so the next task starts smoothly. If you need promoting to find the next tasks needed in a large project, you are not thinking ahead of need. Everyone needs to be able to get along with teams with varied personalities, experiences, and backgrounds. The most productive people work well with everyone and avoid conflict as second nature
What hard/technical skills are most important for Aviation Mechanics?
Nicolas Yale: The aviation industry is shorthanded in nearly all skilled labor areas: pilots, mechanics, maintenance specialists, project managers, logistics developers, and planners. Baby-boomer retirement and cutbacks during COVID have left large skilled labor shortages across the board. The key is to pick the area you want to start, gain the proper credentials to get started and take advantage of apprenticeships and work-study programs to get your foot in the door. Do not be afraid to change direction if your employer wants to retrain you based on your skills or aptitude. Use the opportunity to add skills and certifications to your resume.
What skills will help Aviation Mechanics earn the most?
Nicolas Yale: Professional Piloting and Aviation Maintenance positions likely will have the highest wage expansion in the next 5-10 years with the largest numbers of jobs opening. Technicians need their basic licenses and will need avionics and electronics experience and training to keep up with the technological changes quickly being rolled out. It is nearly impossible to compare aircraft being sold today to those ten years ago. Technology has changed how they are flown, maintained, and what you need to know to operate them in a technical operation. Starting wages are already higher than most industries, and increase scales are the steepest seen in years to retain talent. Good lines of flight and good shifts for work will come quickly in this industry, which is hiring quickly. Seniority determines good options, and growth will continually move you up the list.