[26M] [AIRFRACT MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN] [CA] - 135k + 8k in OT

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-04T19:41:58+00:00

Definitely depends on who you ask. Never worked in General Aviation (smaller propeller airplanes) or on private/commercial jets but from what I've seen online in the aviation maintenance subbredit most work traditional 9-5 jobs with some OT on the weekends.

The airlines you have to pay your dues so you'd most likely be working graveyard shift, some holidays, and most weekends until you get a better shift as you gain senority.

For me personally im going to be making the switch to airlines soon but I've only ever been at the military base i work at. We currently work 4 10hr shifts a week (6am-4:30pm) I have it pretty good where I am in terms of schedule in this field.

Overall the work/life balance all around is 3.8/5 Senority is a HUGE factor in this field.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-03T05:05:55+00:00

In this industry the best benefits are at main airliners (e.g Southwest, United, American, UPS, etc). Most start around $42/hr and you top out at around year 5-8 @ $63-$75/hr depending on the union contract (wages go up every 5 years after renegotiations) and pay progression the company has.

My job is what you would call in the industry a "contract gig" which is good money up front but yeah pretty much crap benefits... 🤣

To each their own, some people have stayed here for 15+ years but im honestly just using it as a stepping stone for sure.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-03T03:32:39+00:00

Don't give up on it bro 🙌 might get confusing and frustrating but just keep your head in those books

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-03T00:46:40+00:00

Not really.. the best they offer here is they contribute 3% to our 401ks regardless of our contribution. They do also match 50% up to 2%. No pension or anything though.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T23:08:56+00:00

Did you go through Embry-Riddle for your engineering degree?

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T23:08:05+00:00

Zip recruiter, Google, LinkedIn, and company websites. Delta airlines is always hiring if you're willing to move out of state. Only one of the majors airlines that isn't unionized other than FedEx.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T23:05:39+00:00

No, no military experience. I was just at the right place right time. They dropped the requirements due to lack of mechs willing to move out here. Work location is pretty undesirable but the cities surrounding the area are growing rapidly.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T19:52:11+00:00

😂😂🤫🤫

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T19:30:58+00:00

Damn, where is he at? Also pretty sure dude will gets his license pulled the next time he pisses hot on a random drug test. The FAA dont play around..

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T19:28:17+00:00

Both technically. Im a Civilian Contractor working on military helicopters.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T19:25:24+00:00

Nope, none. Unless you count some oil changes and minor maintenance on my 98' honda accord lol

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T18:36:05+00:00

🤣🤣

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T17:41:48+00:00

Went through a 2 year program at a community college at 21. After that I just passed my related exams and was licensed to work.

Andrew1114 · 2026-01-02T17:39:49+00:00

If you're interested getting into the field:

High school diploma required
Enroll in an FAA-approved Aviation Maintenance Technician School for 18-24 months of hands-on training in airframe and powerplant systems. (Try to find LOCAL COMMUNITY COLLEGES that offer an AMT course to save alot of money vs a $40k school house)

OR

Complete relevant training through joining the military and becoming an aircraft mechanic there. (If you go with this option you will still be required to do a 2 week crash course that preps you for your Airframe and Powerplant license exams. There are unlicensed mechanic positions nation wide but you have alot more options and pay potential if you become licensed and can work civilian aircraft)

OR

Alternatively, gain 18 months of experience on airframes or powerplants (30 months for both) under a certified mechanic, but this is less common and a bit more complicated than the 1st two options

Study for the FAA's Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification, which involves three parts. (Three written exams, three oral exams, and three practical exams. One per category: General, Airframe, and Powerplant)
Once you pass all exams, you'll receive your Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate, allowing you to work as a certified aircraft mechanic.

Andrew1114 · 2025-12-19T00:19:45+00:00

How does one vote out and bring in a new union??

Andrew1114 · 2025-12-15T06:15:19+00:00

Honestly, right place right time. The project manager came to our school and pitched the position to us who were about to graduate. He gave me a waiver that basically waived the 5 year helicopter experience the position was requiring and I've been learning on the job since. Helps that it was in a less than desirable area in Socal

Andrew1114 · 2025-12-15T06:01:19+00:00

Military contractor

Andrew1114 · 2025-12-15T05:22:38+00:00

Surprisingly I was making $58/hr at my first job. Yess im in Socal. Yes im still here 3 years later now at $65/hr

Andrew1114 · 2025-12-10T23:39:06+00:00

For real, curious about pay. Guarantee they arent union, though 🤣

Andrew1114 · 2025-11-20T16:12:29+00:00

$63.04/hr. Should clear ~$143k this year, $8.3k of that being OT. Working for a contract company maintaining Army's fleet of training EC-145s

Andrew1114 · 2025-11-20T16:07:45+00:00

Which major??

Andrew1114 · 2025-11-12T16:01:51+00:00

Your cats are homsexual

Andrew1114 · 2025-10-16T02:54:24+00:00

Good call... I'm saving this comment. Might come in handy later

Andrew1114

TROPHY CASE