Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
SOC Code: 49-3011
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians carries a 13% AI exposure score (Low automation risk), with a median annual wage of $78,680 and +4.0% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 139,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 13% AI exposure, Aircraft mechanics and service technicians sits 24 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 1% of them. It ranks among the more AI-resilient roles in the dataset.
Where Aircraft mechanics and service technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians has ai exposure of 13%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Aircraft mechanics and service technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians (SOC 49-3011) carries an AI exposure score of 13%, placing it in the Low automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 139,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +4.0% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $78,680, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Aircraft mechanics and service technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 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.
- 7. Inspect airframes for wear or other defects.
- 8. Check for corrosion, distortion, and invisible cracks in the fuselage, wings, and tail, using x-ray and magnetic inspection equipment.
- 9. Measure parts for wear, using precision instruments.
- 10. Remove or install aircraft engines, using hoists or forklift trucks.
Key Skills Required
- Equipment Maintenance
- Repairing
- Troubleshooting
- Operations Monitoring
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operation and Control
- Quality Control Analysis
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Public Safety and Security
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Transportation
- Education and Training
- Mathematics
- Computers and Electronics
- Physics
- Design
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians has an AI exposure score of 13%, indicating a low level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Aircraft mechanics and service technicians is projected to grow by 4.0% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 139,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
Key skills for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians include Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Troubleshooting, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $78,680, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Aircraft mechanics and service technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Aircraft mechanics and service technicians?
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Low automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).