The Industry Needs You

25,000 mechanic shortage by 2028. 710,000 new technicians needed globally by 2044. You have the leverage.

Salary Ranges

Entry-Level (First Year)
$45K – $60K
Regional carriers, small MROs, GA shops
Experienced (2-5 years)
$60K – $85K
Major MROs, corporate aviation, defense contractors
Major Airline
$90K – $120K+
Delta, United, American — includes overtime, shift differentials
Median (All A&Ps)
$79,140
BLS SOC 49-3011, May 2024

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics SOC 49-3011 (May 2024). Employment projected to grow 5% from 2024-2034.

Military Pay (E-5, 8 years)

~$42K–$48K

Base pay + BAS + BAH (varies by location)

A&P Median Salary

$79,140

Top earners: $110,000+ | Airlines: $90-120K+

+$30K–$70K annually vs. military pay

Employers Actively Recruiting Veterans

Delta TechOpsAirlines

Largest MRO in North America. 20% veteran workforce. AMT Pathways + 17-week SkillBridge.

United AirlinesAirlines

United4 Veterans program.

American AirlinesAirlines

7,000+ veteran employees.

Alaska AirlinesAirlines

15% veteran hire rate.

AAR CorpMRO

Military Friendly® Employer. EAGLE Career Pathway. Housing allowance $1,400-$2,600/mo + up to $15K tuition.

Duncan AviationMRO

SkillBridge program.

StandardAeroMRO

Major engine MRO.

GE AerospaceMRO

SkillBridge with mentorship. Up to 180 days.

Lockheed MartinDefense

~20% veteran workforce. Heroes Program.

BoeingDefense

Veterans Outreach program.

Northrop GrummanDefense

~20% veteran workforce.

Kalitta AirAirlines

Apprenticeship: $17/hr → $26/hr upon certification. All exam fees covered.

SkillBridge Programs

Last 180 days active duty. Full military pay + benefits during civilian training.

Embry-Riddle AMTP9 weeks

18-credit certificate + guaranteed interview with AAR, Boeing, Lockheed.

VIPER Transitions12 weeks

Employers sign contracts guaranteeing wages, hours, benefits.

Flex Air60-180 days

Multiple locations.

Delta TechOps17 weeks

Direct pipeline to Delta employment.

GE AerospaceUp to 180 days

Includes mentorship.

Duncan AviationUp to 180 days
Browse all SkillBridge opportunities

The Numbers Don't Lie

22,000 of you separate every year. Only 1,500 get certified. The industry needs 25,000 more by 2028. That's your opportunity.

Check Your Eligibility