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TransportationTop JobColorado Talent Pipeline Report-aligned occupation with strong annual openings, growth, and wage signals.Critical OccupationOccupation identified by industry partners as critical to business success.

Aircraft Technician/ Mechanic

Diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.

Annual openings

461

Median wage

$82,080

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of a CFR 147 accredited A&P Mechanic program.

Growth 2026–2032

+10%

Median wage source: Colorado BLS OEWS (2025).

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Career requirements

What does this career require?

Explore education, required qualifications, voluntary credentials and employer preferences for this role. Check the details to see which apply.

Typical education

High school (GED) plus completion of a CFR 147 accredited A&P Mechanic program.

Credential requirement

An Airframe and Power Plant (A&P) Mechanics certification is expected to be obtained before or shortly after obtaining this job.

Work experience

Previous experience in a mechanical role is expected, often as an Auto Tech.

Work-based learning

If you are in the Denver Metro area and want to understand how to get Your Future in Aerospace Off the Ground, check out Wings Over the Rockies programs. One allows you to even build an airplane with a team.

Employer competency information

  • Employers identified mechanical aptitude (can you look at gears or an engine and begin to understand how they work), an interest in "tinkering" (with cars, robotics, appliances), teamwork (you usually work with another tech), and problem solving (you often have to think outside of the box to solve an issue) as important competencies for success in this job.
You can continue to advance in your career by building specialized skills in sheet metal/composites, in leadership roles within the shop or across airports by monitoring or planning required airplane maintenance.
Employers identified that women are highly successful in this role and they are hoping that more will pursue a career in Aircraft Mechanics.
When you work for an airline at a regional/international airport, you quickly earn over $100,000 in salary with the potential to get significantly higher!

Is this work a fit?

What the work actually feels like

How people in this career tend to spend their time, the interests it draws on, and a look at a typical day.

Work style

The type of work can vary by job and employer.

  • With childrenNo
  • On a computerNo
  • OutdoorsMay vary
  • With your handsYes

Interests it draws on

  • Transportation
  • Aviation

Automation exposure

Moderate exposure

Some routine tasks may shift as tools improve, but the role is likely to adapt.

A typical day

  1. Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
  2. Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
  3. Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
  4. Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
  5. Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
  6. Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
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