Airplane Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $25.06 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $35.49 |
| Top | $48.90 |
Interest in precision working to reassemble, adjust and test engine operations to conform with specifications
Interest in analyzing information to troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical and hydraulic systems to identify problems, and to adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures
Interest in installing and modifying aircraft engines, mechanical, hydraulic, flight control, fuel and pneumatic systems; in performing and documenting routine maintenance; and in ordering and maintaining inventory of parts and supplies
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft and aircraft systems. They maintain:
Duties vary. In general, aircraft maintenance technicians:
Aircraft maintenance technicians work indoors in hangars or shops. Sometimes they work on outdoor airport ramps. They may be exposed to harsh weather, fumes or other hazards. They need to use safety equipment and wear safety clothing. Their work area may be noisy. At times, they work in awkward positions or on scaffolds. They use hoists to move larger, heavy objects. Working quickly while observing safety standards can be stressful.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights, when aircraft are not in use. Shift work, overtime, and being on call are common. Some work in remote locations for long periods.
Aircraft maintenance technicians need to possess:
Aircraft maintenance technicians must be high school graduates with related post-secondary education approved by Transport Canada. Many companies provide training to help employees upgrade and update their qualifications. For example, technicians can train to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers (AME). Engineers certify that the work done on aircraft meets all standards.
Transport Canada issues 5 different AME licences. Each has sub-groups. Training, experience and exam requirements vary. In general, applicants must:
With an AME-Category M (Maintenance) licence, an engineer can certify maintenance work. They can only certify types of aircraft they have been trained for, such as:
To qualify, applicants must:
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Aircraft maintenance technicians may work for:
Aircraft maintenance technicians must supply their own hand tools. The employer usually provides special tools and equipment.
Employers may favour employees who are willing to move.
Some technicians advance to become supervisors or managers in approved maintenance organizations. Others work as quality control inspectors or sales reps for aeronautical products.
Aircraft maintenance technicians are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Salaries for aircraft maintenance technicians depend on factors such as location, business size, and the type and quality of equipment and aircraft.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $16.00 | $34.62 | $25.06 | $23.00 |
| Overall | $23.25 | $45.00 | $35.49 | $36.06 |
| Top | $29.00 | $86.54 | $48.90 | $45.50 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Lower Reliability, represents a CV of between 15.01% and 33.00% and/or if fewer than 20 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 33% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Transportation and Warehousing | $73,572 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $72,313 |
Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) website: www.avaerocouncil.ca
Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Supports Centre near you.
Updated Mar 31, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.