Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians
Working Conditions
Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians held about 137,300 jobs in 2014. The majority worked for private companies and about 14 percent worked for the federal government. Approximately 87 percent were aircraft mechanics and the rest were avionics technicians.
The industries that employed the most aircraft mechanics and service technicians in 2014 were as follows:
Support activities for air transportation
28%
Scheduled air transportation
22
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
15
Federal government, excluding postal service
15
Nonscheduled air transportation
5
The industries that employed the most avionics technicians in 2014 were as follows:
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
30%
Support activities for air transportation
30
Federal government, excluding postal service
11
Scheduled air transportation
8
Employment services
4
Mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. They must meet strict deadlines while maintaining safety standards.
Most mechanics and technicians work near major airports. Mechanics may work outside on the airfield, or in climate-controlled shops and hangars. Civilian mechanics employed by the U.S. Armed Forces work on military installations.
Injuries and Illnesses
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians experience rates of injuries and illnesses that are higher than the national average.
Mechanics and technicians often lift heavy objects, handle dangerous chemicals, or operate large power tools. They may work on scaffolds or ladders, and noise and vibrations are common, especially when engines are being tested. However, mechanics take precautions against injury, such as wearing ear protection and brightly colored vests to ensure that they are seen when working around large aircraft.
Work Schedules
Mechanics and technicians usually work full time on rotating 8-hour shifts. Overtime and weekend work are common. Day shifts usually are reserved for mechanics with the most seniority. General aviation mechanics and technicians typically have more flexible schedules than those working for airlines.