Loading...
NavyRating: AM
Aviation Structural Mechanic
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aviation Structural Mechanics — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AM has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
Free · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$41K–$107K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
10
Federal GS Series
4
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
Free Sample · Emailed to You
Get a free AM Aviation Structural Mechanic sample resume
One page, built in our template, with your military experience translated into civilian terms hiring managers and ATS systems read. Use it as a reference for your own. Drop your email and we'll send you the download link.
Free. We'll also send occasional job-search tips. Unsubscribe anytime.
Military Role Overview
Aviation Structural Mechanics (AM) maintain the airframes, flight control surfaces, hydraulic systems, and structural components of Navy aircraft. The AM rating encompasses three sub-specialties: structures (sheet metal, composites, and airframe repair), safety equipment (ejection seats, oxygen systems, canopies), and hydraulics/pneumatics systems. AMs are the people who keep the aircraft physically intact and flight-worthy.
AM work ranges from routine corrosion control and sheet metal repairs to advanced composite damage repair, hydraulic system troubleshooting, and flight control rigging. AMs work with aluminum alloys, titanium, advanced composite materials (carbon fiber, Kevlar), sealants, and adhesive bonding systems. They use precision measuring tools, pneumatic rivet guns, CNC routing equipment, and autoclaves for composite curing.
The AM skillset is hands-on manufacturing and repair at its core. Every structural repair is a judgment call — assessing damage, determining serviceability limits, selecting the right repair method, and executing to exacting tolerances. AMs who worked at Fleet Readiness Centers performing depot-level repairs have experience equivalent to aerospace manufacturing quality standards.
AMs translate to the 8852 Aircraft Mechanic series and FAA A&P licensing pathways. I've worked across federal hiring on the engineering side and watching AMs move into DoD depot positions and major airframer roles is routine — the airframe and hydraulics depth is genuinely valuable, the resume just has to capture it. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret (minimum)
ASVAB RequirementVE+AR+MK+AS=210 or VE+AR+MK+MC=210
TrainingA School at NATTC Pensacola, FL (~14-20 weeks). Specialization tracks include AM (Structures), AME (Safety Equipment), and AMS (Hydraulics/Pneumatics). Follow-on C Schools for platform-specific structural repair. Advanced composite repair training available at FRCs.
Certs Earned in ServiceCollateral Duty Inspector (CDI), Quality Assurance Representative (QAR), Plane Captain, NAVAIR structural repair qualifications, Composite repair certifications, HAZMAT handling
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Aviation Structural Mechanic
$41K–$75K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
10 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
-18% on average
Civilian base pay for Aviation Structural Mechanics runs ~$12K below mid-career enlisted total comp — but BAH-equivalent housing costs are now your responsibility on the military side too.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
AM experience maps directly to both aviation maintenance and advanced manufacturing. The commercial aviation industry needs airframe mechanics, composites technicians, and hydraulic specialists. Beyond aviation, the booming composites industry — driven by wind energy, automotive, marine, and aerospace manufacturing — is actively seeking technicians with hands-on composite fabrication and repair experience.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00) with 6% growth. For aircraft structure and systems assemblers, the median is $62,350 (O*NET 51-2011.00). Sheet metal workers earn a median of $60,760 (O*NET 47-2211.00) with 1% growth. Fiberglass laminators and fabricators earn a median of $40,530 (O*NET 51-2091.00), though specialized aerospace composites technicians typically earn well above this general median.
AMs with hydraulic system experience also qualify for industrial machinery mechanics positions ($62,530 median, 15% growth) and maintenance and repair workers focused on hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aircraft Mechanic / A&P Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Airlines / MRO | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
Aircraft Structure / Systems Assembler O*NET: 51-2011.00 | Aerospace Manufacturing | $62,350 | Declining (-9%) | strong |
Sheet Metal Worker O*NET: 47-2211.00 | Construction / Manufacturing | $60,760 | Little or no change (1%) | strong |
Composites Technician / Laminator O*NET: 51-2091.00 | Aerospace / Wind Energy / Marine | $40,530 | Little or no change (0%) | strong |
Industrial Machinery Mechanic O*NET: 49-9041.00 | Manufacturing / Facilities | $62,530 | Much faster than average (15%) | moderate |
Maintenance and Repair Worker (General) O*NET: 49-9071.00 | Facilities / Property Management | $46,700 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Wind Turbine Technician O*NET: 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (60%) | moderate |
Welder / Fabricator O*NET: 51-4121.00 | Manufacturing / Construction | $51,000 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
Aircraft Mechanic / A&P Technician
Aviation / Airlines / MRO
$75,020median
Faster than average (6%)
O*NET: 49-3011.00
Aircraft Structure / Systems Assembler
Aerospace Manufacturing
$62,350median
Declining (-9%)
O*NET: 51-2011.00
Sheet Metal Worker
Construction / Manufacturing
$60,760median
Little or no change (1%)
O*NET: 47-2211.00
Composites Technician / Laminator
Aerospace / Wind Energy / Marine
$40,530median
Little or no change (0%)
O*NET: 51-2091.00
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
Manufacturing / Facilities
$62,530median
Much faster than average (15%)
O*NET: 49-9041.00
Maintenance and Repair Worker (General)
Facilities / Property Management
$46,700median
About as fast as average (5%)
O*NET: 49-9071.00
Wind Turbine Technician
Renewable Energy
$61,770median
Much faster than average (60%)
O*NET: 49-9081.00
Welder / Fabricator
Manufacturing / Construction
$51,000median
About as fast as average (2%)
O*NET: 51-4121.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Largest aerospace manufacturer. Structural assembly, composites, and airframe repair positions across commercial and military programs.
F-35 structural repair and sustainment, plus legacy platform support. Active SkillBridge participant.
Composite and structural work on advanced military aircraft. AMs with composites experience are highly sought.
Major aerostructures manufacturer for commercial and military aircraft. Fuselage, nacelle, and structural component fabrication in Wichita, KS and other locations.
Heavy maintenance, structural repair, and airframe overhaul positions. Multiple MRO locations across the US.
Commercial aircraft heavy maintenance and structural repair. Facilities in Pensacola and other locations.
GS-8852 positions at FRC East, Southeast, and Southwest. Depot-level structural repair — same work in a civilian capacity.
Aircraft and spacecraft structural maintenance at research centers. Unique opportunity to work on experimental vehicles.
Wind turbine blade repair and composite manufacturing. Growing demand for composite technicians with aerospace backgrounds.
World's largest wind turbine manufacturer. Blade manufacturing and field composite repair positions.
Manufacturer of Cessna and Beechcraft. Structural assembly, composites, and airframe repair at manufacturing and service facilities.
Aircraft modification, structural integration, and depot-level maintenance. Multiple platform support programs.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your AM experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
Free · No credit card · 2 tailored resumes included
Real Navy success story
“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David· Chief Petty Officer (E-7)· Navy
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
Federal positions for AMs exist primarily at NAVAIR Fleet Readiness Centers, but the structural repair and composites skills also apply to positions at NASA, the FAA, and military depots across all branches. AMs who transition to federal civilian roles at FRCs often continue performing the same depot-level structural repairs they did in uniform.
Aircraft Mechanic (GS-8852) is the most direct federal path, with positions at FRC East (Cherry Point), FRC Southeast (Jacksonville), and FRC Southwest (North Island). AMs with composites expertise are increasingly valuable as military aircraft incorporate more composite structures. Engineering Technician (GS-0802) positions fit AMs with materials testing, damage assessment, or structural analysis experience.
AMs who managed corrosion control programs or HAZMAT operations can target Safety Management (GS-0018) and Safety Technician (GS-0019) roles. Those with quality assurance experience (CDI/QAR) align with Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910). AMs with hydraulic system expertise qualify for General Equipment Specialist (GS-1670) positions managing aircraft ground support and hydraulic test equipment.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-8852 | Aircraft Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1101 | General Business and Industry | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-4749 | Maintenance Mechanic | WG-8, WG-9, WG-10 | View Details → | |
| GS-8255 | Pneudraulic Systems Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
$63,980
Construction and Mining(O*NET: 49-3042.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Diagnosing and repairing hydraulic and pneumatic systemsLanding-gear and actuator overhaulReading hydraulic and mechanical schematicsBrake, strut, and load-bearing assembly work
Landing gear, struts, and flight controls are hydraulic and pneumatic systems, and that exact diagnostic and rebuild skill keeps excavators, cranes, and dozers running on a job site.
How to get there: Many shops hire structural and hydraulic mechanics directly and train on the equipment; a community-college diesel or heavy-equipment program shortens the ramp.
Riggers
$62,060
Industrial and Entertainment Rigging(O*NET: 49-9096.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (Little or no change)
Cable tensioning and flight-control riggingLoad calculation and securingInspecting cables, fittings, and connectors for wearWorking safely with suspended loads
Rigging flight controls to exact cable tensions and inspecting fittings is the same precision and load discipline a rigger uses to hang loads on a stage, in a shipyard, or on a construction lift.
How to get there: Earn a rigging certification (NCCCO or industry-specific) through a short course, then build hours under a lead rigger; entertainment and industrial rigging hire on demonstrated skill.
Millwrights
$65,170
Industrial Maintenance(O*NET: 49-9044.00)BLS OEWS May 202413% (Much faster than average)
Installing and aligning heavy mechanical assembliesPrecision measurement and tolerancesMechanical rigging and levelingHydraulic system maintenance
Fitting and aligning airframe assemblies to spec is precision heavy-mechanical work, which is exactly what a millwright does installing and aligning machinery in plants and power stations.
How to get there: Enter through a millwright apprenticeship (often via the United Brotherhood of Carpenters) or a community-college industrial-maintenance program.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
$106,580
Vertical Transportation(O*NET: 47-4021.00)BLS OEWS May 20245% (Faster than average)
Hydraulic system installation and troubleshootingWorking safely around suspended and moving loadsPrecision mechanical alignmentInspecting structural and cable integrity
Hydraulic elevators and their guide rails, cables, and safeties draw on the same hydraulic and structural-integrity work behind airframes and landing gear.
How to get there: Enter through a NEIEP apprenticeship combining 4 years of paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to mechanic certification.
Construction and Building Inspectors
$72,120
Inspection Services(O*NET: 47-4011.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-1% (Little or no change)
Structural integrity and corrosion inspectionReading specifications and tolerancesDocumenting defects against standardsNondestructive and visual inspection methods
AM work is built on finding cracks, corrosion, and structural defects before they fail, and that inspection eye transfers directly to verifying buildings and structures meet code.
How to get there: A combination of trades experience and inspection certification (ICC) is the standard route; many states require licensing, which trades experience helps satisfy.
Boilermakers
$73,340
Heavy Industry(O*NET: 47-2011.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-2% (Decline, steady replacement openings)
Assembling and sealing large pressure-bearing structuresWorking to tight structural tolerancesConfined-space and high-pressure safetyMechanical rigging and fit-up
Airframe pressure structures and the fit-up tolerances behind them map to building and maintaining industrial boilers and vessels, where seal integrity under pressure is everything.
How to get there: Enter a Boilermakers union apprenticeship (typically 4 years of paid work plus classroom training) leading to journeyman status.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free · No credit card · Try unlimited career angles
Skills Translation Guide
If you're applying to aviation MROs, composites manufacturers, or defense contractors — they understand your background. Sheet metal shops, composite repair facilities, and hydraulic overhaul shops use the same terminology.
But if you're targeting careers outside aviation and manufacturing — project management, construction, facilities maintenance, or quality roles — the hiring manager doesn't know what "BDR per NAVAIR 01-1A-21" means. The translations below reframe AM experience for non-aviation industries, converting your structural repair and manufacturing background into language that resonates with hiring managers across different sectors.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
BDR qualified on F/A-18E; assessed and repaired structural damage to flight control surfaces during deployment, returning aircraft to mission-capable within 4 hours
After (Civilian)
Certified in emergency structural assessment and rapid repair procedures, restoring critical equipment to operational status within 4-hour windows through systematic damage evaluation and prioritized repairs
Before (Military)
Qualified as CDI; inspected and signed off 300+ structural repairs including composite patches, sheet metal repairs, and flight control rigging per NAVAIR standards
After (Civilian)
Served as certified quality inspector, independently approving 300+ structural fabrication and repair actions on high-value equipment, maintaining zero defect escape rate
Before (Military)
Performed composite damage repairs on F/A-18E flight control surfaces per NAVAIR 01-1A-21, including vacuum bag layup, autoclave curing, and NDI verification
After (Civilian)
Executed advanced composite material repairs on aerospace structures per industry standards, utilizing vacuum-assisted resin transfer and autoclave curing processes with post-repair non-destructive inspection verification
Before (Military)
Managed corrosion control program for 12-aircraft squadron: scheduled inspections, tracked treatment applications, maintained CDI compliance, reduced corrosion-related grounding by 40%
After (Civilian)
Directed an asset preservation program for a $900M equipment fleet, implementing systematic inspection schedules and protective treatment protocols that reduced degradation-related downtime by 40%
Before (Military)
Troubleshot F/A-18E flight control hydraulic systems; performed servo valve overhaul and system operational checks restoring full flight control authority
After (Civilian)
Diagnosed fluid power system malfunctions through systematic pressure and flow testing; rebuilt precision control components to factory specifications, restoring full system functionality and operational capability
Before (Military)
Applied primers and topcoats per MIL-PRF-85285 on F/A-18E airframes; managed paint booth operations including environmental controls and HAZMAT compliance
After (Civilian)
Applied industrial protective coatings per federal specifications, managing coating facility operations including environmental controls, quality verification, and hazardous materials compliance
Before (Military)
Maintained Martin-Baker ejection seats on F/A-18E/F fleet; performed scheduled inspections, cartridge replacements, and functional checks with zero discrepancies
After (Civilian)
Maintained critical safety systems on high-value equipment, executing scheduled inspections, component replacements, and functional verification with zero discrepancies across all maintenance cycles
Before (Military)
Served as AM work center LPO; supervised 10 structural mechanics, managed $1.5M tool inventory, and maintained 98% work center readiness through 7-month deployment
After (Civilian)
Supervised a 10-person structural fabrication team, managing $1.5M in specialized equipment and tooling, maintaining 98% operational readiness throughout continuous production cycles
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your AM duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
Free · No credit card · Tailored to each job posting
Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
Abaris Advanced Composite Repair
RecommendedAbaris Training
Cost: $2,000-$5,000Time: 1-2 weeksGI Bill Eligible
Industry-recognized composite repair training. Your Navy composite experience provides a strong foundation. Aerospace employers value this credential.
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License
RequiredFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $150-$900 (exam fees)Time: 2-4 months prep if qualifying on military experienceGI Bill Eligible
Required for civilian aviation. AMs are strong on the Airframe portion. Document all maintenance experience including any engine-related work for the Powerplant exam.
AWS Certified Welder
BeneficialAmerican Welding Society
Cost: $300-$1,000Time: 1-4 weeks testingGI Bill Eligible
For AMs with welding experience. Opens doors in construction, manufacturing, and structural fabrication beyond aviation.
FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)
RecommendedFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $150-$300 (exam fees)Time: Requires A&P + 3 years experience
Allows return-to-service approvals after major structural repairs. CDI/QAR experience is a stepping stone.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
RecommendedProject Management Institute
Cost: $405-$555 (exam fee)Time: 3-6 months prepGI Bill Eligible
Structural repair project experience counts toward PMP project hours. Strong for management career paths.
CCM (Certified Construction Manager)
BeneficialConstruction Management Association of America
Cost: $350-$500 (exam fee)Time: 3-6 months prepGI Bill Eligible
For AMs targeting construction management. Blueprint reading, project coordination, and quality control skills transfer directly.
Quality Assurance
ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)
RecommendedAmerican Society for Quality
Cost: $438-$618 (exam fee)Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
CDI/QAR experience maps to AS9100 quality systems. Strong credential for manufacturing QA roles.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
BeneficialASQ / IASSC
Cost: $200-$400Time: 2-4 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Process improvement methodology. Strengthens candidacy for production management and operations roles.
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour Construction
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150-$300Time: 4 days
Standard for construction industry. Complements AM structural background for construction management and safety roles.
Certified Safety Professional (CSP)
RecommendedBoard of Certified Safety Professionals
Cost: $300-$500 (exam fee)Time: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Gold standard safety credential. AM HAZMAT and confined space experience counts toward requirements.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
For Staying in Aviation Structural Work
FAA A&P License: Required for civilian aviation maintenance. AMs are well-positioned for the Airframe portion — submit FAA Form 8610-2 with your training records and maintenance documentation to your local FSDO. For the Powerplant portion, document any engine-related maintenance you performed. Don't pay for school until you've checked direct qualification.
SkillBridge Programs: Aviation MROs and composites manufacturers participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for structural repair and composites programs. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and several MROs have offered SkillBridge positions.
Advanced Composite Training: If you want to specialize in composites, the Abaris Training composite repair courses are industry-recognized. Some GI Bill approved. Your Navy composite experience gives you a significant head start.
For Careers Outside Aviation
Sheet Metal Journeyman License: Some states and unions require journeyman certification. Military sheet metal experience often counts toward apprenticeship hours. Check with your local SMACNA chapter or union hall.
AWS Welding Certifications: If you have any welding experience from AM work, American Welding Society (AWS) certifications open doors across construction, manufacturing, and repair industries.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is strong for AMs targeting management roles. Structural repair project coordination counts toward experience requirements.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies: NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Centers, NASA, Army depots, and Air Force depots. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. Completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: Defense contractors pay a premium for cleared structural mechanics. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval. For AMs, composites technology degrees, manufacturing engineering programs, and A&P prep courses are strong investments.
BMR Career Resources
Navy Resume Guide: Rating Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AM resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an FAA A&P license after the Navy?
For civilian aviation maintenance, yes. AMs typically qualify strongly for the Airframe portion of the exam based on military experience. Submit FAA Form 8610-2 with your training records and maintenance logs to your local FSDO. For the Powerplant portion, document any engine-related work you performed. Many AMs qualify for both, but verify with your FSDO before assuming.
What is the salary for civilian airframe mechanics?
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00), with the top 10% earning over $109,000. Specialized composites technicians at aerospace manufacturers and MROs can earn above median depending on their expertise level and location.
Is composites experience valuable outside aviation?
Increasingly so. Composite materials are used in wind turbine blades, automotive manufacturing (EVs especially), marine construction, and sporting goods. The wind energy industry alone needs thousands of composite repair technicians. Your aerospace composites background represents the highest standard of composite work — other industries actively seek that quality standard.
What if I want to leave aviation entirely?
AM skills transfer broadly. Sheet metal and composites fabrication skills apply to construction, manufacturing, and marine industries. Hydraulic system experience transfers to heavy equipment, industrial machinery, and facilities maintenance. Quality assurance experience (CDI/QAR) applies to any manufacturing or production environment. See Career Change Paths for specific roles, salaries, and entry paths.
Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?
Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of investigation time. Defense contractors specifically seek cleared structural mechanics for classified aircraft programs. ClearanceJobs.com lists these positions. Your clearance stays active up to 24 months after separation.
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
For aviation — get your A&P first. For composites specialization — Abaris Training or equivalent programs are valuable investments. For manufacturing or engineering — a manufacturing engineering or materials science degree opens doors. For management — PMP or Lean Six Sigma certifications offer faster ROI. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
What certifications should I get before separating?
For aviation: start FAA A&P paperwork immediately. For composites: document all composite repair training and qualifications from the Navy. For quality: if you have CDI/QAR, consider ASQ CQE. For safety: OSHA 30-Hour General Industry or Construction. For welding: AWS certification if you have welding experience. Keep First Aid/CPR current.
How does Veterans' Preference work for federal jobs?
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. NAVAIR and FRC facilities sometimes use Direct Hire Authority for aircraft mechanic positions. Apply at or below GS-11 where VPref is strongest. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com.
Where are the best job markets for former AMs?
For aviation: MRO centers (Miami, Dallas, Tulsa, Cincinnati, Atlanta), airline hubs, and military depot cities (Cherry Point, Jacksonville, San Diego). For composites: wind energy (Texas, Iowa, Oklahoma), aerospace manufacturing (Wichita, Seattle, Marietta GA). For general manufacturing: any area with aerospace, automotive, or marine manufacturing. Defense contractor hubs (DC Metro, Hampton Roads, San Diego) offer the best leverage on clearances.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Yes — start 12 months before your EAOS. Begin A&P certification paperwork immediately. At 180 days out, explore SkillBridge programs at MROs or composites manufacturers. Have your resume ready 6 months out. Apply to federal positions early — federal hiring takes 3-6 months. Network with aviation maintenance professionals on LinkedIn and attend industry events like MRO Americas.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Free for every veteran
Translate your AM Aviation Structural Mechanic experience into a resume that gets callbacks
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes — tailored to each job.
What you get — all free:
2
Tailored resumes
AI-rewritten for each job posting
2
Cover letters
Matched to the role
∞
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
∞
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
2
Company research reports
Know who you're applying to
∞
Job tracker
Manage every application in one place
Start My Free Resume
Free · No credit card · 90 seconds to sign upBuilt by a Navy Diver veteran. More than 60,000 resumes built for the military community.