What it pays
Government survey numbers — not estimates, not ads.
Half of all Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians in the U.S. earn more than $79,870 a year — the middle 80% land between $48,780 and $128,890. About 138,090 people in the U.S. do this work. Figures are for the U.S. occupation group “Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians”. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics survey, published 2025.) In India, Craft and related trades workers earn about ₹16,825 a month on average — around ₹2.0 lakh a year (government PLFS survey via ILOSTAT, occupation-family figure).
$79,870typical pay / year
138,090people in this work
$128,890+top 10% earn
₹2.0 lakha year in India (family avg)
Think you get this job?Six quick questions on how it really works — with a hint and the reason behind every answer.
Test yourself →The work, task by task
These are the real jobs-to-be-done, not a wish list. Each task shows where we found it, and the prompt underneath is written for that exact task.
Fixing3
Replace malfunctioning components
+Replace the cracked hydraulic actuator on the left main gear, swap the damaged wiring harness, torque the…
Replace malfunctioning components
+Replace the cracked hydraulic actuator on the left main gear, swap the damaged wiring harness, torque the mounting bolts to 120 ft-lb, bench-test the actuator for full travel, then log the parts and sign-off in the aircraft log before shift end today.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Adjust aircraft components to ensure proper functioning
+Set the aileron cable tensions to the blueprint spec, adjust pulley alignment until free play is within…
Adjust aircraft components to ensure proper functioning
+Set the aileron cable tensions to the blueprint spec, adjust pulley alignment until free play is within limits, verify control surface neutral with rigging fixture, road-test controls for smooth response, then update the log and notify the lead inspector.
The tools that do the workAccess Software AIRPAXESCOjob descriptionsO*NET
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Overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies
+Strip and inspect the CFM56 accessory gearbox, replace all worn bearings and seals per overhaul manual,…
Overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies
+Strip and inspect the CFM56 accessory gearbox, replace all worn bearings and seals per overhaul manual, measure shaft runout to blueprint limits, reassemble using new torque seals, then bench-run the engine module and upload the overhaul record to the aircraft log.
The tools that do the workDisassemblerComputerized aircraft log manager CALMjob descriptionsO*NET
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Analysing2
Diagnose mechanical issues in aircraft
+Isolate the nosewheel shimmy report by reproducing the fault on taxi runs, inspect steering linkage and…
Diagnose mechanical issues in aircraft
+Isolate the nosewheel shimmy report by reproducing the fault on taxi runs, inspect steering linkage and torque arms to blueprint tolerances, trace play to the worn bearing, document findings and recommend bearing replacement to the maintenance planner by noon.
The tools that do the workDisassemblerjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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Test electronic equipment and systems
+Bench-test the flight control computer and associated sensors, run the built-in self-test sequence, measure…
Test electronic equipment and systems
+Bench-test the flight control computer and associated sensors, run the built-in self-test sequence, measure sensor voltages and CAN bus messages, swap suspect sensor with a known-good unit, record oscilloscope traces and file a fault report to avionics by 1600.
The tools that do the workDatcoMedia EBisjob descriptionsWikipedia
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Move1
Conduct routine maintenance on aircraft
+Perform the scheduled 100-hour inspection on N123AB: log oil and hydraulic checks, torque landing gear…
Conduct routine maintenance on aircraft
+Perform the scheduled 100-hour inspection on N123AB: log oil and hydraulic checks, torque landing gear fasteners to spec, replace corroded rivets on left wing flap, run the functional check of the electrical bus, and update the aircraft log with parts used and sign off when complete this afternoon.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMjob descriptionsO*NETWikipedia
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The daily work19
Adjust assemblies accordingly
+Inspect the left-wing flap actuation assembly, follow the latest maintenance manual steps, loosen the four…
Adjust assemblies accordingly
+Inspect the left-wing flap actuation assembly, follow the latest maintenance manual steps, loosen the four identified fasteners, re-shim the hinge bearings to eliminate 0.8 mm play, torque fasteners to 22 Nm, record parts and measurements in the aircraft log, and notify Sara in maintenance control if clearance remains out of tolerance by Friday.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMESCO
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Maintain detailed maintenance records
+Update N123AB's maintenance history with today's inspections: list each task performed, parts installed with…
Maintain detailed maintenance records
+Update N123AB's maintenance history with today's inspections: list each task performed, parts installed with serial numbers, hours on airframe and engines, cite applicable manual paragraphs, and save the completed record before end of shift.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMWikipedia
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Coordinate with flight crews and ground staff
+Confirm tomorrow's sortie schedule with Captain Rivera and the ground handling supervisor, note any special…
Coordinate with flight crews and ground staff
+Confirm tomorrow's sortie schedule with Captain Rivera and the ground handling supervisor, note any special access or tooling needs, coordinate start time changes, and circulate a single consolidated briefing to flight crew and ramp by 18:00.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft OutlookWikipedia
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Assist in training new technicians
+Run a hands-on walk-through with trainee Alex on removal and reinstallation of the left wing flap actuator,…
Assist in training new technicians
+Run a hands-on walk-through with trainee Alex on removal and reinstallation of the left wing flap actuator, demonstrate torque sequence, watch Alex perform it, record training completed and weaknesses, and file the competency note in the trainee folder.
The tools that do the workMicrosoft WordWikipedia
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Use hand tools, power tools and other equipment
+Lay out the toolkit and workstation checklist for today's engine cowling removal and landing gear inspection,…
Use hand tools, power tools and other equipment
+Lay out the toolkit and workstation checklist for today's engine cowling removal and landing gear inspection, list required hand and power tools, safety gear and torque wrenches, confirm calibration status, and log tool issue to my name.
The tools that do the workAccess Software AIRPAXESCO
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Manufacture fixed or rotary wing aircrafts and aircraft subassemblies
+Print the structural and systems drawings for the empennage, mark the critical dimensions and tolerances,…
Manufacture fixed or rotary wing aircrafts and aircraft subassemblies
+Print the structural and systems drawings for the empennage, mark the critical dimensions and tolerances, note required rivet types and torque values, and highlight any deviation from the standard drawing before starting fitting.
The tools that do the workDatcoMedia EBisESCO
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Read and interpret blueprints
+Compare the new wiring harness drawing to the aircraft schematic, identify connector pinouts, call out…
Read and interpret blueprints
+Compare the new wiring harness drawing to the aircraft schematic, identify connector pinouts, call out conflicting wire colours or lengths, annotate required changes, and file the annotated drawing with the job card before wiring starts.
The tools that do the workCaseBank SpotLightESCO
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Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
+Cover surrounding skin and avionics with plastic film and tape before cutting or sanding the damaged skin on…
Spread plastic film over areas to be repaired to prevent damage to surrounding areas.
+Cover surrounding skin and avionics with plastic film and tape before cutting or sanding the damaged skin on the left wing lower surface, press film smooth to eliminate wrinkles, and label edges with repair reference and technician initials.
The tools that do the workDisassemblerO*NET
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Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
+Feather existing paint edges, apply primer to the prepped panels on the forward fuselage, block-sand between…
Prepare and paint aircraft surfaces.
+Feather existing paint edges, apply primer to the prepped panels on the forward fuselage, block-sand between coats to gloss level B, and apply two finish coats matching FAA color chip 354 by Thursday morning for the post-inspection flight.
The tools that do the workDatcoMedia EBisO*NET
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Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
+Inspect turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes for cracks and thermal distress, measure clearances against the…
Determine repair limits for engine hot section parts.
+Inspect turbine blades and nozzle guide vanes for cracks and thermal distress, measure clearances against the OEM hot section limits, document parts that exceed limits, and tag suspect parts for teardown and engineering disposition today.
The tools that do the workAccess Software AIRPAXO*NET
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Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
+Set up the cure blanket and monitor thermocouple readings while curing the bonded doubler on the aft spar per…
Cure bonded structures, using portable or stationary curing equipment.
+Set up the cure blanket and monitor thermocouple readings while curing the bonded doubler on the aft spar per the manufacturer cure schedule, log temperature profile and elapsed time, and remove tooling only after full cool-down and inspection.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMO*NET
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Repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems
+Isolate the hydraulic circuit, bench-test the selector valve, replace the failed seal kit, purge the circuit…
Repair hydraulic and pneumatic systems
+Isolate the hydraulic circuit, bench-test the selector valve, replace the failed seal kit, purge the circuit until no air remains, verify pressure and flow at the actuator ports meet OEM values, and close the maintenance entry with test readings and serial numbers.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMjob descriptions
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Install software and instrument panels
+Mount the new instrument panel in the cockpit, secure wiring looms to the routing channels, install the…
Install software and instrument panels
+Mount the new instrument panel in the cockpit, secure wiring looms to the routing channels, install the flight display software build and calibrate sensors, then run the avionics power-up checklist and note build and calibration results in the equipment log.
The tools that do the workCaseBank SpotLightjob descriptions
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Construct, fit and install prefabricated parts
+Fit the prefabricated wing rib, trim to the blueprint tolerances, deburr edges, drill and countersink the…
Construct, fit and install prefabricated parts
+Fit the prefabricated wing rib, trim to the blueprint tolerances, deburr edges, drill and countersink the mounting holes, then prime and rivet it in place to the left wing spar so the aileron hinge line aligns within three thousandths.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMESCOO*NET
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Measure the tension of control cables.
+Measure the tension on the rudder control cable at station 128 using the calibrated tensiometer, compare…
Measure the tension of control cables.
+Measure the tension on the rudder control cable at station 128 using the calibrated tensiometer, compare readings to the maintenance manual table, adjust turnbuckles until the measured value matches the spec, then log the final reading and signature in the control rigging report.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMO*NET
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Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
+Draw fuel and oil samples from left and right tanks and the sump using the approved sampling pump and amber…
Obtain fuel and oil samples and check them for contamination.
+Draw fuel and oil samples from left and right tanks and the sump using the approved sampling pump and amber vials, inspect visually for water or particulates, run the crackle test and submit samples to the lab if contamination is suspected, then record sample locations and batch numbers in the fuel log.
The tools that do the workDatcoMedia EBisO*NET
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Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
+Listen to the running engine from cockpit and external stations with a stethoscope and shortcut run-up, note…
Listen to operating engines to detect and diagnose malfunctions, such as sticking or burned valves.
+Listen to the running engine from cockpit and external stations with a stethoscope and shortcut run-up, note any tapping, squeal or backfire patterns, compare against the engine sound chart in the manual to isolate sticking or burned valve candidates, then schedule borescope inspection and record findings in the defect log.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMO*NET
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Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
+Verify on-hand quantities for filters, seals and rivets against the bin cards, create a requisition for low…
Inventory and requisition or order supplies, parts, materials, and equipment.
+Verify on-hand quantities for filters, seals and rivets against the bin cards, create a requisition for low items with part numbers and required delivery dates, get supervisor approval, and submit the order so the shop avoids downtime next week.
The tools that do the workSAPO*NET
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Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
+Remove the carburetor, strip and clean the float chamber, sediment bowls and screens with solvent, set the…
Clean engines, sediment bulk and screens, and carburetors, adjusting carburetor float levels.
+Remove the carburetor, strip and clean the float chamber, sediment bowls and screens with solvent, set the float height to the service manual specification, refit with new gaskets, run the engine to verify mixture and idle, and record the work and serial numbers in the engine maintenance record.
The tools that do the workComputerized aircraft log manager CALMO*NET
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Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses
Built on public evidence: O*NET®, ESCO, Wikipedia, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, ILOSTAT. All sources & licenses