Mechanical Engineering Trades Workers

How to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Official title: Aircraft Maintenance Technician (Structures)

Also called: Aircraft Maintenance Engineer (Structures)

Inspects, dismantles and reassembles aircraft, including space vehicle structures, and repairs and replaces components of aircraft and/or space vehicle frames. Works with both metal and carbon fibre composite materials.

Main tasks

Inspects, dismantles, modifies and reassembles aircraft and/or space vehicle structures to identify damage, defects or wear, and ensures structures are functioning within safety regulations and standards
Repairs or replaces damaged or worn components of aircraft and/or space vehicle structures
Works with both metal and carbon fibre composite materials to repair or replace aircraft and/or space vehicle structures
Performs and documents regular maintenance and servicing of aircraft and/or space vehicle structures
May manufacture aircraft and/or space vehicle structural components

Ways in

Apprenticeship: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures). Trade occupations are usually entered through an apprenticeship: paid work plus this qualification, typically 3 to 4 years.
TAFE and VET: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures) (MEA41322); Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (MEA60222); Advanced Diploma of Aviation Non-Destructive Testing (MEA60322); Diploma of Aeroskills (Non-Destructive Testing) (MEA50522); Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management (MEA50422); Certificate III in Aeroskills (Mechatronics) (MEA30222); Certificate II in Aircraft Line Maintenance (MEA20518); Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Mechanical) (MEA40718)

Pay · Outlook · AI and this job

Typical full-time pay: $102,960 a year
About 10,000 people work in this job group now, and about 10,700 are projected by 2035. (+6.9%)
AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Questions people ask

How do I become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

Ways in include: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures); Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management; Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures).

How much does an Aircraft Maintenance Technician earn in Australia?

Median full-time pay is $102,960 a year (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Is an Aircraft Maintenance Technician a growing career in Australia?

Yes. Employment is projected to grow 7% by 2035, from about 10,000 to about 10,700 people (Jobs and Skills Australia).

Do you need a degree to become an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

Usually not. Only 18% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures); Advanced Diploma of Aviation Maintenance Management; Certificate IV in Aeroskills (Structures).

Will AI change the work of an Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AI is more likely to help with parts of this job than to do it. Jobs and Skills Australia rates its automation exposure as low.

Sources

Jobs and Skills Australia: Occupation data (ANZSCO), from ABS Labour Force and Census (February 2026), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Generative AI Capacity Study, interactive table data (September 2025), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Jobs and Skills Australia: Employment Projections (Victoria University) (May 2025 to May 2035), CC BY 4.0, retrieved 2026-10-04
Australian Taxation Office: Taxation Statistics, Individuals Table 15A (2023-24), CC BY 2.5 AU, retrieved 2026-10-04

Updated 2026-10-04