Aircraft Powerplant Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepares students for professional careers in the aviation industry by equipping them with the technical expertise needed to diagnose, maintain, and repair aircraft powerplants and their integrated systems. This program emphasizes hands-on training and theoretical knowledge essential for ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of modern aircraft engines.
- Engine Inspection and Maintenance: Teaches systematic procedures for evaluating engine condition, identifying wear or damage, and performing scheduled and corrective maintenance tasks.
- Lubrication and Cooling Systems: Focuses on the design, function, and servicing of systems that regulate engine temperature and ensure proper lubrication of moving components.
- Electrical and Ignition Systems: Covers the operation, troubleshooting, and repair of aircraft engine electrical circuits and ignition mechanisms critical to engine start-up and sustained operation.
- Carburetion and Fuel Management: Explores the principles of air-fuel mixture control in piston engines, including carburetor function, fuel delivery, and performance optimization.
- Fuels and Fuel Systems: Addresses the handling, storage, and delivery of aviation fuels, as well as the design and maintenance of fuel systems across various engine types.
- Propeller and Fan Assemblies: Provides training in the inspection, balancing, and repair of propellers and fan blades, including their integration with engine performance and aircraft dynamics.
Aircraft Powerplant Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Aircraft Powerplant Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Aircraft Powerplant 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 |
Aircraft Powerplant 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 Aircraft Powerplant Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 93 institutions offering Aircraft Powerplant 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 Aircraft Powerplant Technology is found at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide (401 graduates), Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) (332 graduates), Somerset Community College (SCC) (151 graduates), George T Baker Aviation Technical College (146 graduates), and Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) (139 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 3,372 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Master's
Other Award
|
401 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
332 | Louisville, Kentucky | Public | jefferson.kctcs.edu |
| Somerset Community College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
151 | Somerset, Kentucky | Public | somerset.kctcs.edu |
| George T Baker Aviation Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
146 | Miami, Florida | Public | bakeraviationtechcollege.com |
| Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
139 | Enterprise, Alabama | Public | escc.edu |
| National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
123 | Clearwater, Florida | Private | naa.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
111 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
81 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Central Georgia Technical College (CGTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
77 | Warner Robins, Georgia | Public | centralgatech.edu |
| West Los Angeles College (WLAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
75 | Culver City, California | Public | wlac.edu |
| Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
71 | Chandler, Arizona | Public | cgc.maricopa.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
69 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Pima Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
62 | Tucson, Arizona | Public | pima.edu |
| St Philip's College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
62 | San Antonio, Texas | Public | alamo.edu |
| Tarrant County College District (TCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
61 | Fort Worth, Texas | Public | tccd.edu |
| Victor Valley College (VVC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
49 | Victorville, California | Public | vvc.edu |
| Vincennes University (VU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
49 | Vincennes, Indiana | Public | vinu.edu |
| Georgia Northwestern Technical College (GNTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
44 | Rome, Georgia | Public | gntc.edu |
| North Central Institute (NCI) |
Residency
|
44 | Clarksville, Tennessee | Private | nci.edu |
| Rock Valley College (RVC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
41 | Rockford, Illinois | Public | rockvalleycollege.edu |
| Big Bend Community College (BBCC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
35 | Moses Lake, Washington | Public | bigbend.edu |
| College of Alameda (CoA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
31 | Alameda, California | Public | alameda.edu |
| SOWELA Technical Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
31 | Lake Charles, Louisiana | Public | sowela.edu |
| Trident Technical College (TTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
31 | Charleston, South Carolina | Public | tridenttech.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
31 | Duluth, Georgia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Department of Education |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
31 | Fajardo, Puerto Rico | Public | prami-fajardo.wixsite.com |
| Charlotte Technical College (CTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
30 | Port Charlotte, Florida | Public | charlottetechcollege.net |
| Southwestern Illinois College (SWIC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
28 | Belleville, Illinois | Public | swic.edu |
| Colorado Northwestern Community College (CNCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
26 | Rangely, Colorado | Public | cncc.edu |
| Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Melbourne, Florida | Public | easternflorida.edu |
| George Stone Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | Pensacola, Florida | Public | georgestonecollege.edu |
| Cape Cod Community College (4Cs) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
26 | West Barnstable, Massachusetts | Public | capecod.edu |
| Lively Technical College (Lively Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
25 | Tallahassee, Florida | Public | livelytech.com |
| Honolulu Community College (HCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
24 | Honolulu, Hawaii | Public | honolulu.hawaii.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
23 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Tom P. Haney Technical College (Haney Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | Panama City, Florida | Public | haney.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
22 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Associate's
Other Award
|
22 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Pierpont Community and Technical College (PCTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
22 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | pierpont.edu |
| Mt San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Walnut, California | Public | mtsac.edu |
| Lorenzo Walker Technical College (LWTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
21 | Naples, Florida | Public | lwtc.edu |
| Northeast State Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
21 | Blountville, Tennessee | Public | northeaststate.edu |
| Spokane Community College (SCC) |
Other Award
|
21 | Spokane, Washington | Public | scc.spokane.edu |
| Snead State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
20 | Boaz, Alabama | Public | snead.edu |
| Antelope Valley Community College District (AVCCD) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
20 | Lancaster, California | Public | avc.edu |
| Southwest Technology Center |
Other Award
|
20 | Altus, Oklahoma | Public | swtech.edu |
| Traviss Technical College (TTC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
19 | Lakeland, Florida | Public | traviss.edu |
| South Georgia Technical College (SGTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
19 | Americus, Georgia | Public | southgatech.edu |
| Everett Community College (EvCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
19 | Everett, Washington | Public | everettcc.edu |
| Western Suffolk BOCES |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
19 | Northport, New York | Public | wilsontech.org |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
19 | Irving, Texas | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Coastal Alabama Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
18 | Bay Minette, Alabama | Public | coastalalabama.edu |
| Portland Community College (PCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
18 | Portland, Oregon | Public | pcc.edu |
| State Technical College of Missouri (State Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Linn, Missouri | Public | statetechmo.edu |
| Lake Area Technical College (LATC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Watertown, South Dakota | Public | lakeareatech.edu |
| South Seattle College (SSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Seattle, Washington | Public | southseattle.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Baton Rouge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
17 | Baton Rouge, Louisiana | Public | mybrcc.edu |
| University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
16 | North Little Rock, Arkansas | Public | uaptc.edu |
| Helena College University of Montana |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | Helena, Montana | Public | helenacollege.edu |
| Columbia Gorge Community College (CGCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
16 | The Dalles, Oregon | Public | cgcc.edu |
| Gavilan College |
Other Award
|
15 | Gilroy, California | Public | gavilan.edu |
| Iowa Western Community College (IWCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Council Bluffs, Iowa | Public | iwcc.edu |
| Central New Mexico Community College (CNM) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Albuquerque, New Mexico | Public | cnm.edu |
| Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
15 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
14 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Lincoln Land Community College (LLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Springfield, Illinois | Public | llcc.edu |
| Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Roswell, New Mexico | Public | roswell.enmu.edu |
| Amarillo College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Amarillo, Texas | Public | actx.edu |
| Milwaukee Area Technical College (MATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
14 | Milwaukee, Wisconsin | Public | matc.edu |
| Delaware Technical Community College |
Other Award
|
13 | Dover, Delaware | Public | dtcc.edu |
| Reedley College |
Other Award
|
12 | Reedley, California | Public | reedleycollege.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Associate's
|
11 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Del Mar College (DMC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
10 | Corpus Christi, Texas | Public | delmar.edu |
| Southern University (SUSLA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
9 | Shreveport, Louisiana | Public | susla.edu |
| Chaffey College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
8 | Rancho Cucamonga, California | Public | chaffey.edu |
| Liberty University |
Associate's
Other Award
|
8 | Lynchburg, Virginia | Private | liberty.edu |
| Solano Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
7 | Fairfield, California | Public | welcome.solano.edu |
| South Louisiana Community College (SLCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
7 | Lafayette, Louisiana | Public | solacc.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Sacramento City College (SCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
5 | Sacramento, California | Public | scc.losrios.edu |
| Augusta Technical College (Augusta Tech) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
5 | Augusta, Georgia | Public | augustatech.edu |
| Arkansas Northeastern College (ANC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Blytheville, Arkansas | Public | anc.edu |
| San Diego Miramar College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | San Diego, California | Public | sdmiramar.edu |
| Middlesex Community College (MCC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Bedford, Massachusetts | Public | middlesex.mass.edu |
| Southern State Community College (SSCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Hillsboro, Ohio | Public | sscc.edu |
| Blue Ridge Community College (BRCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
4 | Weyers Cave, Virginia | Public | brcc.edu |
| University of Alaska (UAF) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
3 | Fairbanks, Alaska | Public | uaf.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
3 | Manassas, Virginia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Arkansas State University Mid-South |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | West Memphis, Arkansas | Public | asumidsouth.edu |
| Southern Arkansas University Tech (SAU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
2 | Camden, Arkansas | Public | sautech.edu |
| Hallmark University |
Associate's
|
2 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | hallmarkuniversity.edu |
| Midland College |
Associate's
|
2 | Midland, Texas | Public | midland.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Aircraft Powerplant Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Aircraft Powerplant Technology degree?
Salaries for Aircraft Powerplant 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 Aircraft Powerplant Technology programs?
Currently 93 accredited institutions offer Aircraft Powerplant Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Worldwide (401 graduates), Jefferson Community and Technical College (JCTC) (332 graduates), and Somerset Community College (SCC) (151 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 Aircraft Powerplant Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 3,637 in 2010 to 3,372 in 2023-24. This represents a 7% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, 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 Aircraft Powerplant 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.
Related Mechanics Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Mechanics field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
A program that generally prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to operate, maintain, and repair electrical and electronic equipment. Includes instruction...
Communications Systems Installation and Repair
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair one- and two- way communications...
Computer Installation and Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair computers and related instruments. Includes...
Industrial Electronics Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry...
Appliance Installation and Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, and service major gas, electric, and microwave consumer appliances...
Security System Installation and Repair Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to install and repair household, business, and industrial security alarms, sensors, video...