Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepares professionals to perform precision repairs, inspections, and maintenance on aircraft airframes and non-engine systems, ensuring airworthiness and operational safety. This hands-on technical program equips learners with the expertise to diagnose, restore, and certify structural and mechanical components critical to flight integrity.
- Sheet Metal Fabrication and Repair: Involves designing, shaping, and joining metal components using specialized tools and techniques to restore or construct aircraft fuselage, wings, and control surfaces.
- Fabrication of Composite and Structural Materials: Focuses on working with advanced materials such as fiberglass, carbon fiber, and laminates to build or repair structural elements with precision and durability.
- Wood and Fabric Airframe Construction: Covers the repair and maintenance of older or specialized aircraft constructed with wood frames and fabric coverings, emphasizing proper tensioning, sealing, and structural integrity.
- Control System Maintenance: Includes inspection, adjustment, and replacement of mechanical control linkages, cables, pulleys, and actuators that enable pilot input to flight controls.
- Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems Repair: Trains technicians to service, troubleshoot, and replace hydraulic lines, actuators, reservoirs, and valves that power landing gear, brakes, and flight control surfaces.
- Aircraft Structural Inspection and Certification: Teaches methods for identifying damage, corrosion, and fatigue in airframe structures, along with documentation and compliance with FAA airworthiness standards.
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology degrees, including Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians and Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 169,280 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians 49-3011 | $78,680 | $47,790 - $120,080 | 136,390 | $37.83 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 51-2011 | $61,680 | $46,040 - $94,950 | 32,890 | $29.65 |
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $45,490 in Arkansas to $97,730 in New Jersey—a 115% difference. The highest-paying states include New Jersey, Nevada, and Maryland. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 169,280 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 100 institutions offering Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology is found at Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) (491 graduates), Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (297 graduates), MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) (270 graduates), National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay (236 graduates), and Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM), Atlanta (224 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 7,262 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Bachelor's
Other Award
|
491 | Lancaster, California | Public | avc.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
297 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
270 | Canton, Michigan | Private | miat.edu |
| National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
236 | Clearwater, Florida | Private | naa.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
224 | Duluth, Georgia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
178 | Inglewood, California | Private | spartan.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
175 | Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Associate's
Bachelor's
|
167 | Flushing, New York | Private | vaughn.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
155 | Las Vegas, Nevada | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
146 | Enterprise, Alabama | Public | escc.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
138 | Riverside, California | Private | spartan.edu |
| Rock Valley College (RVC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
131 | Rockford, Illinois | Public | rockvalleycollege.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
129 | Irving, Texas | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Associate's
|
125 | Broomfield, Colorado | Private | spartan.edu |
| Edmonds College |
Residency
Other Award
|
125 | Lynnwood, Washington | Public | edmonds.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
125 | Casselberry, Florida | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
121 | Houston, Texas | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| National Aviation Academy of New England (NAA) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
119 | Concord, Massachusetts | Private | naa.edu |
| George T Baker Aviation Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
115 | Miami, Florida | Public | bakeraviationtechcollege.com |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
115 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Victor Valley College (VVC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
111 | Victorville, California | Public | vvc.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
109 | Fremont, California | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| West Los Angeles College (WLAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
103 | Culver City, California | Public | wlac.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
100 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
98 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
96 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | spartan.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
92 | Norfolk, Virginia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
88 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
88 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| South Seattle College (SSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
88 | Seattle, Washington | Public | southseattle.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
87 | Kansas City, Missouri | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
82 | Chicago, Illinois | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
80 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| Metro Technology Centers (Metro Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
79 | Oklahoma City, Oklahoma | Public | metrotech.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
78 | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
77 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
73 | Charlotte, North Carolina | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Caribbean Aviation Training Institute Inc (CATI) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
71 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Private | caribav.com |
| St Philip's College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
68 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Polytech Adult Education |
Residency
|
66 | Woodside, Delaware | Public | polytechworks.com |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
63 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
63 | Manassas, Virginia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Reedley College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
56 | Reedley, California | Public | reedleycollege.edu |
| Portland Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
54 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pcc.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
53 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
52 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
49 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | tcatmemphis.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Other Award
|
47 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43 | Anchorage, Alaska | Public | uaa.alaska.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
43 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
41 | Chandler, Arizona | Public | cgc.maricopa.edu |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College (PCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
41 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | pierpont.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
40 | Weyers Cave, Virginia | Public | brcc.edu |
| Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Education |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
40 | Fajardo, Puerto Rico | Public | prami-fajardo.wixsite.com |
| Big Bend Community College (BBCC) |
Other Award
|
39 | Moses Lake, Washington | Public | bigbend.edu |
| College of Alameda (CoA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
38 | Alameda, California | Public | alameda.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology Nashville (TCAT) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
38 | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tcatnashville.edu |
| Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
37 | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
| San Joaquin Valley College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
37 | Fresno, California | Private | sjvc.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
36 | Roswell, New Mexico | Public | roswell.enmu.edu |
| Salt Lake Community College (SLCC) |
Associate's
|
36 | Salt Lake City, Utah | Public | slcc.edu |
| Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
35 | West Barnstable, Massachusetts | Public | capecod.edu |
| Dutchess Community College (DCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
35 | Poughkeepsie, New York | Public | sunydutchess.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Other Award
|
35 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Southwest Technology Center |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
35 | Altus, Oklahoma | Public | swtech.edu |
| Gavilan College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
34 | Gilroy, California | Public | gavilan.edu |
| Snead State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
32 | Boaz, Alabama | Public | snead.edu |
| Helena College University of Montana |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
32 | Helena, Montana | Public | helenacollege.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Other Award
|
31 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
31 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
30 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
30 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
29 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Minneapolis Community and Technical College (MCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
29 | Minneapolis, Minnesota | Public | minneapolis.edu |
| School of Missionary Aviation Technology (SMAT) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
29 | Ionia, Michigan | Private | smat.edu |
| Chaffey College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Public | chaffey.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
28 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
28 | Fort Pierce, Florida | Private | aviator.edu |
| Gordon Cooper Technology Center (GCTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
27 | Shawnee, Oklahoma | Public | gctech.edu |
| Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Associate's
|
26 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
| Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | mybrcc.edu |
| Craven Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
25 | New Bern, North Carolina | Public | cravencc.edu |
| Cuesta College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
24 | San Luis Obispo, California | Public | cuesta.edu |
| Lively Technical College (Lively Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
24 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | livelytech.com |
| Kansas State University (K‑State) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
24 | Manhattan, Kansas | Public | k-state.edu |
| Canadian Valley Technology Center (CV Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
24 | El Reno, Oklahoma | Public | cvtech.edu |
| San Diego Miramar College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
23 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmiramar.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
23 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
21 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Lake Superior College (LSC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
20 | Duluth, Minnesota | Public | lsc.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Other Award
|
19 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Midland College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Midland, Texas | Public | midland.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Charlotte Technical College (CTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Port Charlotte, Florida | Public | charlottetechcollege.net |
| George Stone Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | georgestonecollege.edu |
| North Central Institute (NCI) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
16 | Clarksville, Tennessee | Private | nci.edu |
| Western Maricopa Education Center (West-MEC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
16 | Glendale, Arizona | Public | west-mec.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology degree?
Salaries for Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology graduates vary by role and location. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn a median of $78,680 annually, while Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers earn around $61,680. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in New Jersey average $97,730 compared to $45,490 in Arkansas. Approximately 169,280 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology programs?
Currently 146 accredited institutions offer Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) (491 graduates), Wichita State University (WSU Tech), Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology (297 graduates), and MIAT College of Technology (MIAT) (270 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 3,553 in 2010 to 7,637 in 2023-24. This represents a 115% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers, . Related occupations employ approximately 169,280 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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