Talk to Me Goose: A Look at Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians

At any given time, the FAA estimates that there are around 7,000 aircraft in the air over the United States, with each of these planes consisting of hundreds of thousands of parts (367,000 in a Boeing 737). To maintain these intricate machines, we rely on the expertise of aircraft mechanics and service technicians.

Aircraft mechanics and service technicians keep our transportation system moving. They inspect aircraft frames and parts for defects, identify electrical or mechanical problems, and make repairs to solve those problems. There were 1,130 aircraft mechanics and service technicians working in Oregon in 2010, and 123,800 employed nationally. 

Aircraft mechanics and technicians in Oregon earn an average of $57,751 per year, with median hourly wages at $27.42 per hour. This places aircraft mechanics at a significantly higher wage than most other mechanic occupations. Nationally, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a bit less than in Oregon, with a median annual wage of $53,420. 

If you’re interested in a career in aircraft maintenance, you can learn more about suitable programs through the Occupational Information Center on Qualityinfo.org. And the next time you find yourself scrunched into a middle seat, I hope you’ll join me in silently thanking the mechanics who make sure our planes remain in the air.

Click here to read Melissa Greenaway's full article on aircraft mechanics and service technicians.