A study released from the Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) says the FAA issued over 9,000 new mechanic certificates last year, second-most in history. In 2023, there were 9,401 certificates issued.
Recent reports come even as the industry is working to solve a shortage of aviation maintenance technicians, stemming in large part from the downturn during the COVID pandemic.
The ATEC’s Pipeline Report also showed enrollment at aviation maintenance technician schools (AMTs) increased by 9 percent, which indicates public awareness of this vitally important career path is starting to grow.
That said, an estimated 123,000 new mechanics and avionics specialists will still need to join the field over the next 20 years in order to meet the industry’s growing needs — and this number doesn’t take into account additional workforce needs from business and general aviation fleets.
Other notable data from the 2025 ATEC Pipeline Report:
• Over one-third (35 percent) of all current FAA-certified AMTs are over the age of 62, making retirement a significant concern for the overall AMT labor force.
• While new mechanic supply is growing, industry demand is expected to grow faster because the size of the North American commercial fleet is projected to increase around 13 percent by 2035.
• Despite growing student enrollment at AMTS, approximately one in three seats (33 percent) in these classrooms are still available to accommodate additional students.
• The number of instructors at AMTS also remained flat in 2024, highlighting the need for more teachers to provide hands-on training for the next generation of mechanics.
“This year’s report shows just how far the AMT talent pipeline has come since the early 2020s. We are so excited to see growing interest from recent high school graduates and mid-career professionals looking to capitalize on this amazing opportunity to secure a rewarding career path,” Suzanne Markle, president and CEO of the Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics, said in a release.
PIA grads are in high demand, with employment rates over 90 percent. Starting salaries for PIA alumni are also on the rise, with new grads typically earning between $52,832 and $64,480 in their first aviation maintenance and avionics industry jobs.
The average annual salary of $79,140 for AMTs is up from last year’s $75,400 average. With about 13,000 job openings for aviation maintenance and avionics positions expected annually over the next decade, aspiring technicians can enter this career field while incurring significantly less student loan debt than a traditional four-year college.