Aviation Maintenance Technology Career Overview - Southwestern Illinois College

Aviation Maintenance Employment Opportunities

After receiving your FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant license you will have the knowledge necessary for the jobs the listed below:


• Powerplant mechanic
• Airframe mechanic
• Combination airframe & powerplant mechanic
(A&P mechanic)

Student in helicopter maintenance class.

Career Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor 2021-31 Occupational Outlook Handbook projects employment of Aviation Mechanics to increase by about 6 percent. For further information regarding the field of aviation mechanics, please go to the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports the median annual wage for Aviation Mechanics was $65,380 in May 2021.

So What Can You Do?

Combination Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic (A&P Mechanic)

A&P mechanics repair and maintain most parts of an aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, brakes, and air-conditioning system.

Requires a certificate of course completion from the FAA. Salary range: $38,270-$98,590 or more.

Powerplant Mechanic

A mechanic with a Powerplant rating allows the mechanic to maintain and repair all systems associated with the engines and all associated equipment.

Airframe Mechanic

An Airframe rating allows a mechanic to maintain and repair all systems associated with the airframe of the aircraft.