Aircraft Structure Technician
Aircraft structure technicians produce, maintain and repair the sheet metal, bonded and non-metallic composite material and components on aircraft.
Airplane Mechanic, 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.
In general, aircraft structure technicians:
They also may:
Aircraft structure technicians work primarily indoors in hangars or shops. Sometimes, they may be required to work outdoors on airport ramps. They may be exposed to fumes or other hazards requiring the use of safety equipment or clothing, or work in noisy environments, in uncomfortable positions or on scaffolds. They also may be required to lift items weighing up to 20 kilograms or use hoists to move larger, heavier objects. Having to work quickly and observe safety standards at the same time can be stressful.
Aircraft structure technicians work shifts that may include evenings or nights when aircraft are not in use.
Aircraft structure technicians need the following personal characteristics:
They should enjoy using tools, equipment and machinery to perform tasks requiring precision, analyzing information and troubleshooting problems, and having organized methods for their work.
Aircraft structure technicians are high school graduates who have related post-secondary education approved by Transport Canada. Many companies provide ongoing compulsory and voluntary training courses to help employees upgrade and update their qualifications to become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers.
All maintenance on aircraft must be certified by licensed aircraft maintenance engineers. AME licences are issued by Transport Canada in different categories and are further divided into specific groups (endorsements) within each category. Training, experience and examination requirements vary with each licence category and group but, in general, applicants for licensing must be:
An AME - Category S (Structure) licence authorizes aircraft maintenance engineers to certify structural work on the type of structures for which they are trained. 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.
Aircraft structure technicians are required to supply their own hand tools. Specialized tools and equipment usually are supplied by the employer.
Certification is not required, as there is currently no legislation regulating this occupation.
Aircraft structure technicians may be employed by:
A willingness to relocate is an employment advantage.
Experienced aircraft structure technicians may become licensed aircraft maintenance engineers and advance to supervisory and management positions. Some aircraft structure technicians are employed as quality control inspectors or sales representatives for aeronautical products.
Aircraft structure 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 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 structure technicians depend on factors such as location, the size of the employing organization, 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 Aviation Maintenance Council (CAMC) website: www.camc.ca
Careers in Transportation website: www.transpocity.ca
Transport Canada website: www.tc.gc.ca
For more information on career planning, education and jobs, visit the Alberta Learning Information Service (ALIS) website, call the Alberta Career Information Hotline toll-free at 1-800-661-3753 or 780-422-4266 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.
Updated Sep 01, 2009. 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.