Best institutions to study Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments.
157 U.S. institutions graduated 9,434 Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 47.0607, a specialization of Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06), and leads most directly to the Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 49-3011).
About Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. Includes instruction in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills in the maintenance and repair of aircraft components, excluding engines and avionics. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in the aviation industry, focusing on ensuring the safety and functionality of aircraft.
Students will gain expertise in areas such as mechanical systems, public safety, and engineering technology. Coursework includes instruction in the layout and fabrication of materials, as well as practical skills in inspecting and maintaining various aircraft components.
Credentials awarded
What Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Award of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years4,081 graduates / yr · 56 institutions43%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years1,947 graduates / yr · 76 institutions21%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year1,689 graduates / yr · 40 institutions18%
- Associate's degree1,670 graduates / yr · 85 institutions18%
- Award of less than 12 weeks32 graduates / yr · 2 institutions0.3%
- Bachelor's degree15 graduates / yr · 3 institutions0.2%
Graduates over time
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 6,031 |
| 2013 | 6,352 |
| 2014 | 4,991 |
| 2015 | 5,246 |
| 2016 | 5,136 |
| 2017 | 5,322 |
| 2018 | 5,400 |
| 2019 | 6,033 |
| 2020 | 6,103 |
| 2021 | 6,144 |
| 2022 | 7,142 |
| 2023 | 7,121 |
| 2024 | 7,637 |
| 2025 | 9,434 |
Top 50 institutions for Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Antelope Valley Community College District Lancaster, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sBachelor'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 576 | 34% | — | — |
| 2 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Atlanta Duluth, GAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 290 | 46% | $26,027 | $39,480 |
| 3 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Teterboro Hasbrouck Heights, NJPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 289 | 70% | $22,512 | $34,982 |
| 4 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 287 | 43% | — | $47,014 |
| 5 | National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay Clearwater, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 251 | 76% | $29,957 | $48,783 |
| 6 | Universal Technical Institute - Canton Canton, MIPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 234 | 64% | $22,762 | $39,405 |
| 7 | Spartan College of Aeronautics & Technology Inglewood, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 217 | 64% | $34,078 | $40,206 |
| 8 | Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics West Mifflin, PAPrivate not-for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 202 | 76% | $31,614 | $52,407 |
| 9 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NVPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 186 | 80% | $25,666 | $39,480 |
| 10 | Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology Flushing, NYPrivate not-for-profitAssociate'sBachelor's | 175 | 39% | $40,821 | $40,857 |
| 11 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Dallas Irving, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 174 | 53% | $27,178 | $43,460 |
| 12 | Universal Technical Institute of Texas Inc. Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 169 | 60% | $22,532 | $40,469 |
| 13 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 166 | 81% | — | $36,437 |
| 14 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Orlando Casselberry, FLPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 164 | 83% | $24,656 | $44,097 |
| 15 | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Broomfield, COPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 149 | 63% | $31,701 | $55,219 |
| 16 | Central Georgia Technical College Warner Robins, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 148 | 47% | — | $42,493 |
| 17 | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Riverside, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 145 | 68% | $33,809 | $40,206 |
| 18 | National Aviation Academy of New England Concord, MAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 138 | 75% | $33,919 | $45,801 |
| 19 | Enterprise State Community College Enterprise, ALPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 132 | 42% | — | — |
| 20 | George T Baker Aviation Technical College Miami, FLPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 126 | 31% | — | — |
| 21 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Houston Houston, TXPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 126 | 73% | $24,128 | $38,623 |
| 22 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Philadelphia Philadelphia, PAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 121 | 63% | $22,497 | $50,618 |
| 23 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Fremont Fremont, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 120 | 57% | $25,705 | $47,109 |
| 24 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Chicago Chicago, ILPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 119 | — | $26,244 | — |
| 25 | Southwestern Illinois College Belleville, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 116 | 36% | — | — |
| 26 | West Los Angeles College Culver City, CAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 109 | 28% | — | $65,978 |
| 27 | Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology Tulsa, OKPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 105 | 51% | $33,187 | — |
| 28 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Norfolk Norfolk, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 104 | 79% | $23,346 | $44,572 |
| 29 | Texas State Technical College Waco, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 102 | 46% | — | $38,506 |
| 30 | Rock Valley College Rockford, ILPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 101 | 37% | — | $41,625 |
| 31 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Indianapolis Indianapolis, INPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 101 | 50% | $31,321 | $47,951 |
| 32 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Charlotte Charlotte, NCPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 101 | 70% | $22,093 | $47,951 |
| 33 | Savannah Technical College Savannah, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 100 | 42% | — | $34,926 |
| 34 | Pima Community College Tucson, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 98 | 28% | — | $37,826 |
| 35 | Portland Community College Portland, ORPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 97 | 18% | — | $48,144 |
| 36 | Reedley College Reedley, CAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 95 | 42% | — | — |
| 37 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Kansas City Kansas City, MOPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 94 | 71% | $28,880 | $32,011 |
| 38 | Metro Technology Centers Oklahoma City, OKPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 91 | 35% | — | $40,624 |
| 39 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NCPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 85 | 31% | — | $42,264 |
| 40 | St Philip's College San Antonio, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 82 | 28% | — | — |
| 41 | Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Manassas Manassas, VAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 78 | 82% | $26,124 | $36,285 |
| 42 | Caribbean Aviation Training Institute Inc Carolina, PRPrivate for-profitAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 71 | 97% | $10,911 | — |
| 43 | Chandler - Gilbert Community College Chandler, AZPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 69 | 30% | — | — |
| 44 | Tarrant County College District Fort Worth, TXPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 67 | 34% | — | $50,956 |
| 45 | Chattahoochee Technical College Marietta, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 64 | 38% | — | — |
| 46 | Kirkwood Community College Cedar Rapids, IAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 61 | 43% | — | $44,896 |
| 47 | Tennessee College of Applied Technology - Memphis Memphis, TNPublicAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 59 | 55% | — | $41,268 |
| 48 | Georgia Northwestern Technical College Rome, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic years | 57 | 43% | — | — |
| 49 | South Georgia Technical College Americus, GAPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 57 | 61% | — | $28,841 |
| 50 | San Joaquin Valley College - Trades Education Center Fresno, CAPrivate for-profitAward of at least 2 but less than 4 academic yearsAssociate's | 56 | 80% | $25,301 | $54,977 |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 47.06) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 42 states & territories
Where Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 49-3011, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. The job outlook is promising, with an expected growth rate of 4.0% and approximately 11,300 annual openings. The median wage for these positions is around $78,680, typically requiring a postsecondary nondegree award.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 47.0607
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Techniciansprimary SOC 49-3011 | $79,870 | +4.0% About as fast as average | ~11,300 | Postsecondary nondegree award |
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers SOC 51-2011 | $65,380 | -14.5% Decline | ~2,800 | High school diploma or equivalent |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Inspect completed work to certify that maintenance meets standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
- Read and interpret maintenance manuals, service bulletins, and other specifications to determine the feasibility and method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components.
- Maintain repair logs, documenting all preventive and corrective aircraft maintenance.
- Examine and inspect aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and deicers to locate cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems.
- Conduct routine and special inspections as required by regulations.
- Replace or repair worn, defective, or damaged components, using hand tools, gauges, and testing equipment.
Tools and technology used
Other Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 17 other 6-digit CIP codes under Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06).
- Automobile/CIP 47.0604
Automotive Mechanics Technology/ Technician 46,331 graduates / yr762 institutions - Diesel Mechanics Technology/CIP 47.0605
Technician 10,165 graduates / yr309 institutions - Autobody/CIP 47.0603
Collision and Repair Technology/ Technician 5,352 graduates / yr264 institutions - Aircraft Powerplant Technology/CIP 47.0608
Technician 3,661 graduates / yr97 institutions - Medium/CIP 47.0613
Heavy Vehicle and Truck Technology/ Technician 2,278 graduates / yr87 institutions - Marine Maintenance/CIP 47.0616
Fitter and Ship Repair Technology/ Technician 918 graduates / yr48 institutions - Motorcycle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0611
Technician 852 graduates / yr28 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0600
Technician 814 graduates / yr27 institutions - Avionics Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0609
Technician 710 graduates / yr35 institutions - High Performance and Custom Engine Technician/CIP 47.0617
Mechanic 479 graduates / yr13 institutions - Alternative Fuel Vehicle Technology/CIP 47.0614
Technician 192 graduates / yr23 institutions - Small Engine Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0606
Technician 182 graduates / yr24 institutions - Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/CIP 47.0699
Technicians 157 graduates / yr10 institutions - Engine MachinistCIP 47.0615limited data55 graduates / yr2 institutions
- Recreation Vehicle (RV) Service TechnicianCIP 47.0618limited data25 graduates / yr1 institutions
- Bicycle Mechanics and Repair Technology/CIP 47.0610
Technician limited data9 graduates / yr2 institutions - Vehicle Emissions Inspection and Maintenance Technology/CIP 47.0612
Technician limited data2 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What types of awards can I earn in this program?+
You can earn various awards, including those for 1-2 years, 2-4 years, or even certificates for less than a year.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in reading comprehension, critical thinking, active listening, and mathematics.
What tasks will I perform as a graduate?+
You will inspect aircraft, read maintenance manuals, maintain repair logs, and conduct routine inspections.
What is the job outlook for this field?+
The job outlook is about as fast as average, with a growth rate of 4.0% and approximately 11,300 openings each year.
What is the CIP code for Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician?+
Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician is CIP 47.0607 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians (CIP 47.06). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, service, and maintain all aircraft components other than engines, propellers, avionics, and instruments. Includes instruction in layout and fabrication of sheet metal, fabric, wood, and other materials into structural members, parts, and fittings, and replacement of damaged or worn parts such as control cables and hydraulic units.
How many institutions offer Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician programs?+
157 U.S. institutions reported Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 42 states & territories, awarding 9,434 credentials in the year. That is 11.6% of all Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians occupation, which Airframe Mechanics and Aircraft Maintenance Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $79,870 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $41,268 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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