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Aircraft Maintenance Engineer, Airplane Mechanic, Mechanic, Service Technician
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:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
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
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
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 for this NOC group 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.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work on aircraft and aircraft systems. They make sure the aircraft and its components are in airworthy condition. They maintain:
Maintenance can be categorized into line work or heavy work. In line or ramp work, the aircraft undergoes lighter maintenance tasks. It can stay in operation. These tasks have a quick turnaround time, up to overnight. In heavy work, the aircraft undergoes more thorough maintenance checks. It goes out of operation and can remain in the hangar for days or weeks.
Duties vary depending on the employer. In general, aircraft maintenance technicians:
Aircraft maintenance technicians must be able to work to the highest safety standards.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work indoors in hangars or shops when doing heavy maintenance. They work on outdoor airport ramps when performing light maintenance.
They need to use safety equipment and wear safety clothing. They may be exposed to harsh weather, fumes, or other hazards. Their work area may be noisy. Ear protection is required when systems are running. At times, they work in awkward positions or on scaffolds. They use hoists to move large, heavy objects. Working quickly while observing safety standards can be stressful.
Aircraft maintenance technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights. At these times, aircraft are less likely to be in use. Shift work, overtime, and on-call work are common. Some technicians work in remote locations for long periods.
Aircraft maintenance technicians need:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 31 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2021 and Feb 01, 2023.
Review these skills to learn:
| Personal Suitability: Team player | 20 |
|---|---|
| Personal Suitability: Excellent oral communication | 20 |
| Personal Suitability: Reliability | 20 |
| Personal Suitability: Initiative | 19 |
| Troubleshoot aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems to identify problems and adjust and repair systems according to specifications, technical drawings, manuals and established procedures | 19 |
| Repair and overhaul aircraft structural, mechanical or hydraulic systems | 19 |
| Type of Industry Experience: Repair and overhaul facility | 17 |
| Mechanical Maintenance and Repair Specialization: Aircraft maintenance - general | 17 |
| Perform and document routine maintenance | 17 |
| Personal Suitability: Flexibility | 16 |
Aircraft maintenance technicians must be high school graduates. They must also have related post-secondary education approved by the Government of Canada. Students can choose either:
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.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
There is currently no provincial legislation regulating aircraft maintenance technicians in Alberta.
However, a technician can become a licensed aircraft maintenance engineer (AME). AMEs are federally regulated. To qualify, applicants must:
For detailed information, visit the Government of Canada website.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
In the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group, 78.2% of people work in:
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 7315: Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 2% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Note
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.
Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
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.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Unless otherwise noted, the data shown here is for all industries and all regions in Alberta.
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.
To see the full survey data for this NOC group, visit the wage profile.
Other wage sources
To make an informed wage and salary decision, research other wage sources [pdf] to supplement this data.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $19.71 | $34.70 | $26.17 | $27.41 |
| Overall | $25.00 | $43.27 | $32.70 | $30.00 |
| Top | $37.56 | $55.00 | $44.24 | $45.00 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* 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.
Pay brackets for hourly wages
| Public Administration | $103,877 |
|---|---|
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $66,631 |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $66,304 |
Aviation, Government of Canada website: tc.canada.ca/en/aviation
Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace (CCAA) website: www.avaerocouncil.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. 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.
