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Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic Jobs in Springfield, MO

Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic information

See Springfield, MO salary details

$15

$27

$37

How much do entry level aircraft mechanic jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 18, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level aircraft mechanic in Springfield, MO is $27.22, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $23.32 and $30.62 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an entry level aircraft mechanic do?

As an entry-level aircraft mechanic, or an aviation maintenance technician (AMT), your responsibilities revolve around the maintenance and repair of an airplane. Your duties involve inspecting a plane before takeoff and after landing, checking hydraulics, exhaust systems, electronics, and landing gear, monitoring fluid levels, using hand tools and heavy equipment to make repairs, troubleshooting specific issues, performing post-maintenance tests, and documenting reports in a repair log. You also fix the engine when necessary. An entry-level aircraft mechanic may work on a variety of aircraft, but you must ensure that all of your routine and non-routine maintenance meets FAA regulations.

What typical career progression can an entry level aircraft mechanic expect within the aviation industry?

Entry Level Aircraft Mechanics often start by performing basic maintenance tasks under supervision, such as inspections, repairs, and parts replacements. With experience and additional certifications (like the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license), mechanics can advance to more complex troubleshooting, specialized systems work, or supervisory roles. Many mechanics eventually move into lead technician, inspector, or maintenance supervisor positions, and some transition into related fields like quality assurance or technical training. Advancement typically depends on gaining hands-on experience, pursuing ongoing education, and demonstrating reliability and teamwork.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level aircraft mechanic, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic, you need a solid understanding of aircraft systems, mechanical aptitude, and typically a certification such as an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license or completion of an aviation maintenance program. Familiarity with maintenance manuals, diagnostic tools, and computerized maintenance tracking systems is often required. Attention to detail, teamwork, and strong problem-solving skills help individuals excel in this position. These skills and qualities are crucial to ensure aircraft safety, regulatory compliance, and efficient maintenance operations.

What is the difference between Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic vs Aircraft Maintenance Technician?

AspectEntry Level Aircraft MechanicAircraft Maintenance Technician
CertificationsFAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (entry-level)FAA A&P license often required; some roles may accept apprenticeships
Work EnvironmentAirports, hangars, maintenance facilitiesAirports, repair stations, maintenance shops
Employer & Industry UsageAirlines, private operators, maintenance providersCommercial airlines, private aviation, military

Both roles involve aircraft inspection, repair, and maintenance, often requiring FAA certification. An Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic typically refers to someone starting in the field, performing basic tasks under supervision, while an Aircraft Maintenance Technician may have similar responsibilities but can also include more specialized or advanced tasks depending on experience. The terms are often used interchangeably, but 'Aircraft Maintenance Technician' may imply a broader scope of work or certification level.

How to become an entry level aircraft mechanic with no experience?

To become an entry-level aircraft mechanic, you typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and must complete an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school or program. Gaining hands-on experience through internships or apprenticeships and obtaining the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification are essential steps to qualify for entry-level positions in the field.

What do entry level aircraft mechanics make?

Entry level aircraft mechanics typically earn between $40,000 and $55,000 annually, depending on location and employer. They often need certifications such as the FAA Airframe and Powerplant license and work in maintenance hangars or repair stations, gaining experience with tools and aircraft systems.

What are the most commonly searched types of Aircraft Mechanic jobs in Springfield, MO?

The most popular types of Aircraft Mechanic jobs in Springfield, MO are:

What cities near Springfield, MO are hiring for Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic jobs?

Cities near Springfield, MO with the most Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic job openings:

Infographic showing various Entry Level Aircraft Mechanic job openings in Springfield, MO as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,608 per year, or $27.2 per hour.

Worldwide Aircraft Services Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanic

World Wide Aircraft Inc.

Springfield, MO • On-site

$26.25 - $34.25/hr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

Unlicensed Aircraft Mechanics Entry level

Position Summary

The Unlicensed Mechanic performs aircraft maintenance, servicing, and ground support tasks under the direct supervision of an FAA-certificated Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic or Inspector. This position supports the safe and efficient operation of aircraft maintained and serviced by Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. in compliance with all applicable FAA regulations, company policies, and procedures. Work performed in this role may not be returned to service by the incumbent; all return-to-service authority is retained by certificated personnel.

This position is specifically structured to allow employees to accumulate the qualifying practical experience required under 14 CFR 65.77 to become eligible to apply for an FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. Upon satisfying all applicable experience, knowledge, and skills requirements under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, the employee becomes eligible to apply for FAA A&P certification.

he following duties are representative but not all-inclusive. Other duties may be assigned as operational needs require.

  • Assist certificated A&P mechanics with scheduled and unscheduled aircraft maintenance tasks including inspections, component removal and installation, and system servicing.
  • Perform aircraft servicing including fueling, oil servicing, tire inflation, hydraulic fluid checks, and lavatory servicing under the direction of certificated personnel.
  • Assist with aircraft washing, cleaning, lubrication, and preservation activities.
  • Tow, position, and marshal aircraft in accordance with company procedures and safety standards.
  • Operate ground support equipment (GSE) including tugs, ground power units (GPU), air start units, and other authorized equipment.
  • Perform shop maintenance tasks including parts cleaning, tool organization, and work area housekeeping.
  • Assist with the receipt, inspection, and stocking of aircraft parts, materials, and supplies.
  • Accurately complete required maintenance documentation in accordance with company and FAA recordkeeping requirements.
  • Maintain a personal experience log, provided by company provided by the company, documenting hours worked, tasks performed, aircraft registration numbers, and supervising certificated mechanic as required to support future A&P certification under 14 CFR 65.77.
  • Adhere to all Foreign Object Debris/Damage (FOD) prevention policies and practices.
  • Comply with all safety, security, and access control requirements including SIDA badge regulations where applicable.
  • Report any unsafe conditions, discrepancies, or concerns immediately to supervising certificated personnel.

Employment in this position is designed to satisfy the practical experience requirements of 14 CFR 65.77, which govern eligibility to apply for an FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic Certificate. Once an employee has met all applicable requirements under 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, they may apply for FAA A&P certification.

14 CFR 65.77 Experience Requirements

To be eligible for an FAA Mechanic Certificate, each applicant must present evidence of one of the following:

  • Option A AMTS Graduate: An authenticated document from an FAA-certificated Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) under 14 CFR Part 147; OR
  • Option B Single Rating (Airframe OR Powerplant): At least 18 months of practical experience with the procedures, practices, materials, tools, and equipment generally used in constructing, maintaining, or altering airframes or powerplants appropriate to the rating sought; OR
  • Option C Both Ratings (A&P): At least 30 months of practical experience concurrently performing the duties appropriate to both the Airframe and Powerplant ratings.

Reference: 14 CFR 65.77 (as amended, Amdt. 65-63, 87 FR 31415, May 24, 2022)

Employee Responsibilities for Experience Documentation

Employees intending to use their employment at Worldwide Aircraft Services to satisfy 14 CFR 65.77 experience requirements are responsible for:

  • Maintaining a contemporaneous personal experience log documenting: dates worked, specific tasks performed, type of work (airframe and/or powerplant), aircraft make/model and registration number, and the name and certificate number of the supervising certificated A&P mechanic.
  • Ensuring entries are signed and verified by the supervising certificated mechanic at the time work is performed.
  • Retaining all pay stubs, work records, and other documentation satisfactory to the FAA Administrator as evidence of practical experience.
  • Notifying the Director of Maintenance and Human Resources when the applicable experience threshold has been reached and certification is being pursued.

Company Commitment

  • Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. will assign work in a manner that provides exposure to both airframe and powerplant maintenance tasks to support employees pursuing the full A&P rating under Option C of 14 CFR 65.77 (30-month concurrent experience).

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education & Experience

  • High school diploma or GED equivalent required.
  • Prior experience in aviation maintenance, military aircraft maintenance, or a related mechanical field preferred but not required.
  • No FAA A&P certificate required; this position is designed for individuals actively working toward FAA A&P certification through the 65.77 experience pathway.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

  • Basic understanding of tools and maintenance principles.
  • Mechanical aptitude with proficiency in the use of hand tools and measuring equipment.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality and airworthiness.
  • Ability to follow verbal and written instructions precisely and completely.
  • Effective communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
  • Basic computer skills sufficient to access maintenance tracking and documentation systems.

Licenses & Certifications

  • Valid driver's license required.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid airport security badge (SIDA) where required.
  • FAA A&P certificate not required for this position; employees will become eligible to apply for FAA A&P certification upon satisfying all requirements of 14 CFR Part 65, Subpart D, including the experience requirements of 65.77.

REGULATORY & COMPLIANCE REQUIREMENTS

This position is subject to the following regulatory requirements:

  • DOT/FAA Drug and Alcohol Testing: This is a safety-sensitive position subject to DOT drug and alcohol testing requirements under 14 CFR Part 120 and 49 CFR Part 40, including pre-employment, random, post-accident, reasonable suspicion, return-to-duty, and follow-up testing.
  • Must comply with all applicable FAA regulations and Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc. policies and procedures.
  • Subject to background investigation as required by TSA and airport authority regulations.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made for qualified individuals with disabilities.

  • Frequently required to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb.
  • Must be able to regularly lift and carry up to 50 pounds; occasionally lift up to 75 pounds with assistance.
  • Required to work in confined spaces, at heights, and on aircraft surfaces.
  • Must be able to work outdoors in varying weather conditions including extreme heat, cold, and inclement weather.
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers for tool operation, grasping, and fine manipulation.
  • Vision requirements include close vision, distance vision, color vision, and ability to adjust focus.
  • Must be able to wear required personal protective equipment (PPE) including hearing protection, safety glasses, and other protective gear as required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

  • Work is performed in hangar, ramp, and shop environments with exposure to aircraft fuel, oils, hydraulic fluids, solvents, and other chemicals.
  • Exposure to noise, vibration, and moving mechanical parts; appropriate PPE required.
  • Schedule may include day, evening, night, weekend, and holiday shifts based on operational needs.
  • Overtime may be required as operational demands dictate.

Worldwide Aircraft Services, Inc s an equal employment employer.