Aircraft maintenance technician forecast

Secure skies need skilled technicians

With the aviation industry rebounding from the pandemic and operators expanding their fleet, the demand for skilled aircraft technicians is surging. Additionally, as much of the current workforce nears the age of retirement, there is a need for a new generation of technicians to step up and fill the gap. This presents an opportunity for an exciting career path for individuals who are passionate about aviation and enjoy hands-on technicial work.

402,000
new aircraft maintenance technicians needed over the next 10 years
New aircraft maintenance technicians needed per region
328K new commercial aircraft maintenance
technicians needed over the next 10 years
Active
2023
193K
Remain active
33K
Replacement
160K
Growth
168K
2032
361K
Active
193k
2023
361k
168k
160k
33k
Growth
Replacement
Remain active
2032
Explore the commercial aviation forecast
74K new business aircraft maintenance technicians needed over the next 10 years
Active
2023
61K
Remain active
17K
Replacement
44K
Growth
30K
2032
90K
Active
91k
2023
90k
30k
44k
17k
Growth
Replacement
Remain active
2032
Explore the business aviation forecast
Tomorrow’s technicians needed today
While the pilot supply issue has gotten significant attention in the last year or so, the aircraft maintenance technician talent pool is likewise constrained. The overall maintenance technician workforce is older than the broader workforce and many technicians are reaching ages where retirement is an option. While newer aircraft require less maintenance than older generations, the growth of the fleet is putting increasing demands on maintenance technicians. 
38% of the mechanic
population is 60 or older
Source: FAA Airmen Certification Branch
Looking for the next generation of aircraft technicians
The industry is engaging in more modern training techniques to tap into the younger pool of talent. Now, students are receiving better training with tools like a virtual simulator, emulators or interactive schematics that offer an engaging approach to cockpit familiarization. Hybrid classrooms, which include a mix of physically present students and others attending virtually, provide the best of both worlds and boost student engagement.
78% growth
in aircraft maintenance technician demand from 2023 to 2032
452K
active aircraft maintenance technicians forecasted for 2032
361K
commercial aircraft maintenance technicians
91K
business aircraft maintenance technician
Diversifying the workforce
There is tremendous opportunity for the industry by forging a path for fresh, innovative minds to enter the industry. Bringing diversity to aviation is important to the industry. Talented people are not limited to one gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation; therefore, we should encourage and welcome people from all genders and background to consider a career as an aircraft maintenance technician.
Currently, only 3% of the 337,000 FAA registered mechanics and repair personnel in the United States are women
Source: FAA
Hear from those whose careers took flight...
Alphious Mclean
Senior Maintenance Training Instructor - Airbus Aircraft Fleet at CAE
Watch your craft successfully take off
The life of an aircraft technician is very exciting and fulfilling, especially if you are fascinated by airplanes. This is a job where you will never stop learning since the industry is constantly evolving at the pace of technological advancement, so there is never a dull moment.  
With over 25 years of experience as an aircraft engineer, there is no doubt in my mind that pursuing a career in aviation is an excellent choice. If you are dedicated and committed to your craft, there is no limit to what you can achieve within this field. To me, the icing on the cake comes when you watch this marvelous state-of-the-art airplane taxi out and take off successfully.  
My advice for anyone interested in pursuing a career as an aircraft technician would be to go for it. The sky’s the limit.
Kevin Pereira
Global Leader Maintenance Training Operations, Commercial Aviation Maintenance Training at CAE
A fulfilling passion with opportunities to grow
My passion for aviation dates to my childhood, when I was fascinated by airplanes and flight. I pursued my interest by studying aircraft maintenance engineering and then began my career as an aircraft technician. Over time, I worked my way up through various management roles in major airlines around the world, and now at CAE.
A career as an aircraft engineer offers countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. If you are considering a career as an aircraft engineer, I would encourage you to pursue your passion as you seek out mentorship and learning opportunities. It takes hard work and persistence to succeed in this field, but the rewards are well worth the effort.
If you have a passion for aviation and a commitment to excellence, then this field may be the perfect fit for you.
Louis De Lorio
President, JetWorx
A community for those who love excellence and mechanics
If you are someone who loves mechanical things, I can’t think of a better career path than aviation.  
Growing up, I used to take apart everything I owned to put it back together. As a teen, I started building and flying model planes. Today, as the leader of the maintenance division for a large charter company, the best advice I can give to someone thinking of a career as an aircraft maintenance technician is to enroll in an aircraft maintenance school and find a part time job at the airport to start building your network in the industry. Aviation is a small community, and your reputation will follow you everywhere. In fact, many of my advancements were achieved because of my reputation within the industry.
No matter what you do, always do your best!
Megan Portero
Manager Aircraft Technical Training at CAE
Motivated by learning & aviation
I started in aviation by attending flight school and while I love flying, I realized quickly that it wasn’t the right path for me.  I knew that I absolutely wanted to be in aviation and have always been mechanically inclined, so I chose to get my license as an aircraft maintenance technician.  
This career is both exciting and rewarding. Working in a fast-paced environment with a constant stream of new challenges has kept me engaged and motivated. Being a female in a male dominated industry also has its challenges but it allowed me to bring a unique perspective and approach to each task.
I am proud to break down barriers to not only show the men that women are as capable, but also to show other women that they too can pursue a successful career in aviation.
What you can do today
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