What Can I Earn as a Helicopter Mechanic?

Helicopter mechanics are classified with aircraft mechanics by the BLS.

Helicopter mechanics are specialists among aircraft mechanics who may only work on helicopters or inspect and repair a variety of related aircraft such as propeller-driven airplanes. Job opportunities are favorable for trained and experienced aircraft mechanics, especially for those who earn two or four-year aviation maintenance degrees and FAA certificates. Helicopter mechanics earned between $50,000 and $70,000 in 2010.

Earnings

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the average annual salary for aircraft mechanics, including helicopter mechanics, was $53,420 in 2010. The top 10 percent earned $72,250 and the bottom 10 percent earned $33,630. Industries with high levels of employment for aircraft mechanics included scheduled air transportation, Federal executive branch and couriers and express delivery services, with salaries between $56,000 and $78,000.

Top-Paying Areas

The BLS reports that the top-paying states in 2010 for aircraft mechanics, including helicopter mechanics, included Tennessee, Indiana, Kentucky, Connecticut and New Jersey, with salaries between $60,000 to $68,000 per year. The top-paying cities included Memphis, Tennessee; South Bend, Indiana; El Paso, Texas; Vineland, New Jersey and Oakland, California, with salaries between $68,000 and $75,000. The top-paying non-metropolitan areas were Southwest Alaska, Central Missouri and Western Central Nevada, with salaries between $59,000 and $63,000.

Training and Preparation

Preparation to become a helicopter mechanic includes study at an FAA-certified aviation maintenance technician school. A minimum of 1,900 class hours are required to earn FAA certification, plus 18 to 30 months of work experience. Ongoing work and testing are required to maintain FAA certification to work on aircraft.

Job Outlook

Job growth is expected to be about as fast as the average for all jobs at about 7 percent between 2008 and 2018. Job opportunities are expected to be favorable for helicopter and aircraft mechanics, according to the BLS, with competition for jobs with larger employers such as international couriers and the federal government. Some aircraft mechanics with advanced training will have opportunities for advancement or open their own specialty aircraft maintenance and repair shops.

References

• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition; Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Service Technicians; 2011
• United States Bureau of Labor Statistics; Occupational Employment and Wages, May 2010; 49-3011 Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians; 2011
• Education Portal; Helicopter Mechanic; 2011
• AviationSalary.com; Helicopter Salaries, Wages and Pay; 2011