How Many Aircraft Mechanics Are in the US?

There are approximately 139,400 aircraft mechanics and service technicians employed in the United States as of 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These professionals inspect, maintain, and repair aircraft across airlines, MROs, and general aviation operations. An additional 21,400 avionics technicians bring the total aircraft and avionics maintenance workforce to approximately 160,800.

Employment is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, with about 13,100 combined openings per year across both mechanic and avionics roles. Most openings will come from replacing workers who retire or leave the occupation rather than from new positions. The broader US civil aviation maintenance workforce — including non-certificated technicians — numbers over 431,000 according to ATEC/Oliver Wyman.