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Military Aircraft Mechanics

Military Career

General Information

Description

Aircraft mechanics supervise or perform the inspection, service, and repair of the Military's fleet of helicopters and airplanes. These mechanics troubleshoot and maintain the aircraft’s structure, engines, and other components, including mission-critical features such as weapons and electronic warfare, and coatings for stealth purposes.

Work Environment

Aircraft mechanics work in aircraft hangars and machine shops located on air bases or aboard aircraft carriers. They may work outside on the airfield, or in climate-controlled shops and hangars.

Workplace at a Glance

What you can expect to experience while on the job

  • Responsibility
  • Exposure to job hazards
  • Physical activity
  • Decision making
  • Repetitiveness
  • Level of competition
  • Time pressure

Comparable Industries

  • Transportation, Distribution & Logistics

Related Military Careers

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Military Outlook

Service Branches

Jobs in this career field may be available in other service branches. Call or email a particular branch for more info.

Military Status

  • Enlisted
    • Hands-on/specialized
    • High school diploma required

Military Workforce

Aircraft Mechanics in the Military

91,312

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Salary

Salary Information

Median Military Salary This is the median, or the midpoint, of the salary range for this career.

$60,352

Military Salary Range Salary varies based on years of service, degree level, special pays, family status and location. Learn more about Military benefits.

$22,641 - $229,900

What makes up a Military salary?

Military salaries include a lot more than just base pay.

They also offer:

  • Housing allowances
  • Subsistence allowances
  • Special and incentive pays
  • Cost-of-living allowances
  • Hazardous-duty pay
  • Bonuses

Learn more about what goes into a salary with the compensation estimator

Learn more about military insurance and retirement benefits

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Education

Most Common Education Levels

People in this career achieve this level of education.

  • Post-secondary certificate 49%
  • High school 18%
  • Associate's degree 16%
  • Some college 12%
  • Bachelor's degree 3%
  • Master's degree 0%
  • Doctoral degree 0%
  • Post baccalaureate 0%
  • Less than high school 0%
  • Post-doctoral training 0%
  • Post-master's certificate 0%
  • First professional degree 0%

Military training

All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Aircraft mechanics are offered advanced technical training that prepares them to maintain specific aircraft types and systems. Training content may include: Repair of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systemsRepair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coveringsPrecision measurement and equipment calibrationEngine disassembly, inspection, and repairSoldering techniques

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Military training

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All enlisted service members complete basic military training, which includes time spent in a classroom and in the field, and covers tactical and survival skills, physical training, military life and customs, and weapons training. Aircraft mechanics are offered advanced technical training that prepares them to maintain specific aircraft types and systems. Training content may include:

  • Repair of hydraulic, fuel, and electrical systems
  • Repair of aluminum, steel, and fiberglass airframes and coverings
  • Precision measurement and equipment calibration
  • Engine disassembly, inspection, and repair
  • Soldering techniques

Skills at a Glance

Skills helpful in this career

  • Verbal skills
  • Critical thinking & problem solving
  • Equipment operation & maintenance
  • Math & science skills
  • Technology design & control
  • Leadership

Knowledge

  • Mechanical
  • Computers and Electronics
  • English Language
  • Engineering and Technology
  • Design

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.