Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Airfield Operations Specialists: Who Earns More?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians out-earn Airfield Operations Specialists by $23K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians land at $79,870 and Airfield Operations Specialists at $56,850. The education gap is real: aircraft mechanics and service technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while airfield operations specialist programs require no formal educational credential. Top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is New Jersey ($105,370); for Airfield Operations Specialists it's Kentucky ($123,290).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn more nationally. The median is $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians versus $56,850 for Airfield Operations Specialists, a difference of $23K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Airfield Operations Specialists has the better 10-year outlook at 4.2% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Airfield Operations Specialists?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Airfield Operations Specialists requires no formal educational credential. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $105,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Airfield Operations Specialists pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn $98,980 vs. $84,050 for Airfield Operations Specialists. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.