Wages, California

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$14.66
25th Percentile	$12.86
50th Percentile	$16.78
75th Percentile	$20.14

Wages, San Joaquin County

Entry-Level Hourly Wage	$11.06
25th Percentile	$12.82
50th Percentile	$17.43
75th Percentile	$19.76

Wages by California County
• OES Survey
• CCOIS Survey

Hours & Benefits
The normal workweek for Aircraft Mechanics is 40 hours, with occasional overtime for scheduled airlines during the peak summer season. Paid holidays and paid vacations, health and life insurance plans, sick leave, profit-sharing, and retirement pensions are offered in varying degrees by both the airlines and independent aircraft repair companies. Airlines also extend flight benefits in the form of free or reduced air transportation to employees and their families.

Employment Trends, California

Employment 1998	14,800
Projected Employment 2008	17,800
Percent Change 1998-2008	20.3%
Separations 1998-2008	3,300

Employment Trends, San Joaquin County

Employment 1999	60
Projected Employment 2006	60
Percent Change 1999-2006	0%
Separations 1999-2006	10

Employment Trends by California County

Working Conditions
Some Mechanics work out on the field on "flight lines" where aircraft park in order to make emergency repairs. Conditions can be hot or cold, depending on the weather. Others work inside hangars and in repair shops that afford good lighting, heat, and air conditioning. A major discomfort of the job is caused by the noise from power tools and from aircraft in the process of testing, taking off, and landing. Minor scratches and skinned knuckles from tool slippage are the most frequent injuries in this work. Burns from welding equipment and hot engine surfaces, and falls from ladders or scaffolds are less common.

Flight line jobs at airports can be physically demanding. Work often requires climbing on ladders or scaffolds, crawling under wings, or fitting into tight spaces. Lifting parts and materials up to 50 pounds is sometimes required. Work must often be performed under time pressure to maintain airline flight schedules. At the same time, Aircraft Mechanics cannot sacrifice high work standards to speed up the job.

Advancement
As Aircraft Mechanics gain experience, they can advance to lead mechanic, crew chief, or shop supervisor. In the airlines, mechanics can become inspectors and advance further to head inspector. Some transfer to larger airlines. With additional business training, others may establish their own repair shops.

Getting the Job & Other Information
Aircraft Mechanics usually contact employers directly either in person or by resume. Firms that hire in this occupation include commercial airlines, aircraft and parts manufacturers, aircraft service and maintenance companies, and large businesses with their own fleets of planes. Some Aircraft Mechanics work for the Federal government as civilian employees at large military bases. School placement offices, newspaper classified ads, and professional publications are sources for job openings. The field offices of the California Employment Development Department Job Service list openings and provide information on local employment conditions. Private employment agencies may also place Aircraft Mechanics.

For a list of current job listing, browse CalJOBS or America's Job Bank.