Navy AM (Aviation Structural Mechanic) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Guide (With 2025 Salary Data)
Real career options for Navy AM Aviation Structural Mechanic transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $55K-$110K+, A&P certification pathway, and aerospace careers.
Bottom Line Up Front
Your AM experience gives you airframe repair and fabrication, composite materials expertise, sheet metal skills, hydraulic systems knowledge, flight control rigging, and FAA-recognized aviation maintenance experience—all of which translate directly to commercial aviation, aerospace manufacturing, aircraft repair stations, and federal aviation jobs. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $55,000-$70,000, with experienced A&P certified mechanics at major airlines hitting $85,000-$110,000+ and aerospace manufacturing roles at Boeing or Lockheed reaching $75,000-$90,000. The FAA recognizes your military aviation maintenance experience, which can fast-track your Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification—the credential that unlocks top-paying aviation careers. Your hands-on structural repair, composite work, and hydraulics experience put you ahead of the curve.
Let's address the elephant in the room
You're going to hear: "Just get your A&P and work for an airline."
That's solid advice—but it's not the only path, and it glosses over your unique strengths.
Here's what that misses: you're not just a generic aircraft mechanic. You're a structural specialist.
As an AM, you didn't just "work on planes." You:
- Repaired and fabricated aircraft structural components (fuselage, wings, control surfaces)
- Worked with advanced composite materials and bonded structures
- Performed sheet metal work including forming, riveting, and skin repairs
- Maintained and troubleshot hydraulic systems and landing gear
- Rigged flight control surfaces to precise tolerances
- Conducted structural inspections using various techniques
- Fabricated parts and assemblies when needed
- Maintained detailed maintenance records and quality documentation
That's precision metalwork, composite repair expertise, hydraulic troubleshooting, quality control, and the ability to work with your hands on complex systems. Those skills are in high demand—not just in aviation, but also in aerospace manufacturing, industrial maintenance, and specialty repair shops.
Commercial airlines need you. So do Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, aircraft repair stations, and even industries outside aviation like renewable energy (wind turbines use composite materials too).
Best civilian career paths for Navy AMs
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where AMs consistently land, with real 2025 salary data.
Commercial aviation maintenance (most direct path)
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft maintenance technician (A&P mechanic)
- Airframe mechanic
- Aircraft structures mechanic
- Line maintenance mechanic
- Heavy maintenance technician (major overhaul/modification)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level A&P mechanic: $55,000-$65,000
- Experienced airframe mechanic (3-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
- Major airline mechanic (union scale): $85,000-$110,000
- Lead mechanic / inspector: $95,000-$120,000
- Top airline mechanics (Southwest, United, Delta): $100,000-$125,000+ with overtime
What translates directly:
- Airframe structural repair and inspection
- Sheet metal fabrication and repair
- Composite material repair
- Hydraulic system maintenance and troubleshooting
- Flight control rigging and adjustment
- Landing gear maintenance
- Technical manual interpretation
- Quality control and safety compliance
- Shift work and 24/7 operations
Certifications needed:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate - The industry standard. Your Navy experience counts toward the required 30 months of practical experience. You can challenge the exams without going back to school if you document your military training properly. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for test prep and exam fees (GI Bill covers approved prep courses). Alternative: 18-24 month Aviation Maintenance Technician School (AMTS) program ($15,000-40,000, GI Bill eligible).
Reality check: The FAA allows you to use your documented Navy aviation maintenance experience to sit for the A&P exams without attending an 18-month school. You'll need to gather your service records, training certificates, and work documentation showing your hands-on experience. Most AMs with 3-4 years active duty qualify.
Major airlines (United, Delta, American, Southwest) pay top dollar—mechanics at Southwest average nearly $59/hour (over $120K annually with overtime). But competition is fierce and hiring processes are slow (6-12 months). Regional airlines and cargo carriers (FedEx, UPS) hire faster and still pay well ($65K-85K starting).
Aircraft repair stations and MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) facilities like AAR Corp, StandardAero, and others hire constantly and are veteran-friendly.
Best for: AMs who want to stay in aviation, value job security and union benefits, and want six-figure earning potential within 5-10 years.
Aerospace manufacturing (Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop Grumman)
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft structures mechanic
- Aircraft assembler / installer
- Composite fabrication technician
- Aircraft structural inspector
- Quality assurance inspector (structures)
- Manufacturing engineer technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level structures mechanic: $60,000-$70,000
- Experienced structures mechanic (Boeing, Lockheed): $75,000-$88,000
- Composite fabrication technician: $65,000-$85,000
- Senior inspector / QA specialist: $80,000-$100,000
- Lead technician / manufacturing support: $90,000-$110,000
What translates directly:
- Aircraft structural assembly and installation
- Sheet metal forming, drilling, riveting
- Composite layup and curing processes
- Blueprint and engineering drawing interpretation
- Precision measurement and inspection
- Quality control procedures
- Hand and power tool proficiency
- Safety and FOD (foreign object debris) awareness
Certifications needed:
- A&P certificate (preferred but not always required for manufacturing)
- Composite repair training certifications (employer often provides)
- NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certifications - Level II certifications in ultrasonic, eddy current, or X-ray. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for training and certification. Value: Opens inspector roles at $70K-90K.
- Security clearance (if you still have one, massive advantage for defense contractors)
Reality check: Boeing pays aircraft structures mechanics around $77,000 on average (Glassdoor 2025 data), with ranges from $62K-$98K. Lockheed Martin pays similarly. These companies are actively hiring, especially at major production facilities: Seattle/Everett WA (Boeing commercial), Fort Worth TX (Lockheed F-35), Palmdale CA (Northrop), St. Louis MO (Boeing Defense).
Manufacturing work is different from maintenance—you're building new aircraft or major components, not repairing existing ones. More repetitive, but often better work-life balance (day shift, Monday-Friday schedules exist).
Composite fabrication technicians are in especially high demand as modern aircraft use more composite materials. Your AM experience with composite repair translates well.
If you still have a security clearance, defense contractors will throw money at you. Cleared mechanics can add $10K-20K to base salary.
Best for: AMs who want to work on new aircraft production, prefer more predictable schedules than airline maintenance, and are willing to relocate to manufacturing hubs.
Aircraft sheet metal / composite repair specialist
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft sheet metal mechanic
- Composite repair technician
- Aircraft structures repair specialist
- Fabrication technician
- Modification technician (aircraft mods and upgrades)
Salary ranges:
- Aircraft sheet metal mechanic: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced sheet metal specialist: $65,000-$80,000
- Composite repair technician: $60,000-$75,000
- Lead fabrication technician: $75,000-$90,000
What translates directly:
- Sheet metal repair, forming, and fabrication
- Composite repair (vacuum bagging, resin systems, curing)
- Structural damage assessment and repair
- Hand fabrication of parts and components
- Precision drilling and riveting
- Surface preparation and finishing
Certifications needed:
- A&P certificate (required for most repair stations)
- Composite repair training (manufacturer-specific certifications like Boeing, Airbus composite repair)
- Sheet metal certifications (less formal; usually on-the-job training)
Reality check: Aircraft sheet metal mechanics average $63,000 annually ($29/hour), with ranges from $50K-$74K. Composite technicians make similar money, around $49,000-$65,000 depending on experience and employer.
These roles exist at airlines (heavy maintenance facilities), MRO shops, aircraft modification companies, and repair stations. Less glamorous than working at Boeing, but steady work with strong demand.
Composite repair is a growing specialty as more aircraft use composite structures. If you get certified in advanced composite repair (especially on Boeing 787, Airbus A350, or business jets), you become highly marketable.
Best for: AMs who loved the hands-on fabrication and repair work, want to specialize in structural/composite work, and prefer smaller shops over huge corporations.
MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) facilities
Civilian job titles:
- MRO technician
- Heavy maintenance mechanic
- Aircraft modification technician
- Overhaul technician (landing gear, flight controls, hydraulics)
- Aircraft painter / finisher
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level MRO mechanic: $55,000-$65,000
- Experienced heavy maintenance tech: $70,000-$85,000
- Specialized overhaul tech (landing gear, hydraulics): $75,000-$95,000
- Lead technician / inspector: $85,000-$105,000
What translates directly:
- Complete aircraft disassembly and reassembly
- Structural inspection and repair
- Hydraulic component overhaul
- Landing gear maintenance and overhaul
- Flight control rigging and testing
- Corrosion treatment and prevention
- Paint stripping and refinishing
Certifications needed:
- A&P certificate (required)
- Specialized component certifications (landing gear, hydraulics—often employer-provided)
Reality check: MRO facilities like AAR Corp, StandardAero, ST Aerospace, Lufthansa Technik, and hundreds of smaller shops perform heavy maintenance, modifications, and overhauls on aircraft. When airlines send planes in for major work (C-checks, D-checks), MRO facilities do the work.
The work is more intensive than line maintenance—you're tearing down entire aircraft, doing major structural work, and rebuilding systems. It's hands-on, technical, and very AM-relevant.
MROs hire constantly and are very veteran-friendly. They often train you in specialized areas (landing gear overhaul, composite repair, hydraulic systems) which increases your value.
Pay is competitive with airlines but without the same union protections. However, MROs often hire faster and provide good pathways to specialized, high-paying roles.
Best for: AMs who want heavy, technical maintenance work, like tearing things apart and rebuilding them, and want faster hiring timelines than major airlines.
Industrial manufacturing and skilled trades
Civilian job titles:
- Industrial maintenance mechanic
- Manufacturing technician
- Fabrication specialist (metal/composite)
- Millwright
- Precision machinist
- Wind turbine technician (composite repair)
Salary ranges:
- Industrial maintenance mechanic: $55,000-$75,000
- Manufacturing technician: $50,000-$70,000
- Millwright: $60,000-$80,000
- Precision machinist: $55,000-$75,000
- Wind turbine technician: $55,000-$75,000 (offshore: $80K-$100K)
What translates directly:
- Mechanical troubleshooting and repair
- Metalworking and fabrication
- Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
- Precision measurement and tight tolerances
- Blueprint reading
- Hand and power tool proficiency
- Safety procedures and LOTO (lockout/tagout)
Certifications needed:
- OSHA 30-hour safety certification - Cost: $150-300
- Trade-specific certifications (welding, machining, etc.)—varies by field
- Composite certifications (for wind turbine composite repair)
Reality check: If you want out of aviation entirely, your AM skills transfer well to industrial manufacturing and skilled trades. Your sheet metal, hydraulics, fabrication, and precision work skills are valuable in factories, refineries, power plants, and industrial facilities.
Wind turbine technicians use composite repair skills similar to aircraft composite work. The renewable energy industry is growing, and offshore wind (East Coast) pays $80K-$100K+ for experienced techs.
Less glamorous than aerospace, but steady work with good pay and benefits. Many positions are union with strong protections.
Best for: AMs who want to leave aviation, prefer working in a single location (no aircraft travel), and value work-life balance over maximum salary.
Federal government (civilian aviation roles)
Civilian job titles:
- Aircraft mechanic (DoD, FAA, DHS)
- Aviation safety inspector (FAA)
- Quality assurance specialist
- Logistics management specialist
- Maintenance supervisor (GS-11+)
Salary ranges:
- GS-7 aircraft mechanic: $52,000-$67,000
- GS-9 aircraft mechanic: $58,000-$75,000
- GS-11 aviation safety inspector: $65,000-$84,000
- GS-12+ supervisor/specialist: $78,000-$100,000+
What translates directly:
- Aircraft maintenance and inspection
- Quality control and compliance
- Technical documentation
- Federal regulations and procedures
- Security clearance (if you still have one)
Certifications needed:
- A&P certificate (required for most aviation mechanic/inspector roles)
- Security clearance (advantage for DoD positions)
Reality check: Federal civilian jobs at military bases (DoD), FAA, Coast Guard, and other agencies hire aircraft mechanics and inspectors. The pay isn't as high as airlines, but job security, benefits (FERS pension, TSP match, health insurance), and work-life balance are excellent.
Veteran preference (5-10 points) gives you a massive hiring advantage. If you have an active clearance, you're even more competitive.
The GS pay scale is predictable with annual step increases and locality adjustments. You won't get rich, but you'll have stability and a solid retirement.
FAA Aviation Safety Inspectors (ASIs) are a prestigious federal role—they inspect airlines and repair stations to ensure compliance. Requires A&P + significant experience, but pays GS-11 to GS-13 ($65K-$110K).
Best for: AMs who want federal job security, benefits, and a clear career progression ladder over maximum salary or excitement.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "AM2" or "performed airframe maintenance" on your resume. Civilians don't know what that means. Here's how to translate:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Repaired aircraft structures | Performed structural repairs on airframes including fuselage, wings, and flight control surfaces using sheet metal and composite techniques |
| Sheet metal fabrication | Fabricated and installed precision sheet metal components; performed forming, drilling, riveting, and assembly operations to tight tolerances |
| Composite repair | Executed composite material repairs using vacuum bagging, resin infusion, and curing processes; certified in advanced composite repair techniques |
| Hydraulic system maintenance | Diagnosed and repaired hydraulic power systems and actuators; performed system testing and troubleshooting on flight control and landing gear hydraulics |
| Flight control rigging | Rigged and adjusted flight control surfaces to manufacturer specifications ensuring proper travel and mechanical advantage |
| Structural inspections | Conducted detailed visual and tactile inspections of aircraft structures to identify corrosion, cracks, and damage requiring repair |
| Landing gear maintenance | Maintained and serviced landing gear systems including struts, brakes, wheels, and tires; performed operational checks and safety inspections |
| Quality control | Ensured 100% compliance with technical manuals, safety procedures, and quality standards; maintained detailed maintenance documentation |
Use active verbs: Repaired, Fabricated, Inspected, Maintained, Installed, Troubleshot, Certified, Supervised.
Use numbers: "Maintained 8 aircraft worth $300M," "Completed 300+ structural repairs with zero safety incidents," "Supervised team of 4 mechanics."
Translate Navy terms: Don't say "MAF" or "VIDS"—say "maintenance action form" or "maintenance tracking system."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:
High priority (get these):
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate - The gold standard for civilian aviation. Your Navy AM time counts toward the 30-month experience requirement. You can challenge the exams without going back to school if you have proper documentation. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for test prep and fees (GI Bill covers approved prep courses). Alternative: 18-24 month AMTS program if you prefer formal schooling ($15K-40K, GI Bill eligible). Value: Unlocks $80K-110K airline jobs; required for most aviation mechanic roles.
Composite Repair Training Certifications - Manufacturer-specific certifications (Boeing, Airbus, Cessna composite repair). Many employers provide this, but you can also get certified independently. Cost: $1,500-3,000. Time: 1-2 weeks. Value: Makes you highly marketable; composite skills are in demand as modern aircraft use more composites.
Associate's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology - Many community colleges offer FAA-approved programs that prepare you for A&P certification while earning a degree. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 18-24 months. Value: Combines A&P prep with degree credential many employers prefer.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Certifications - ASNT Level II certifications in ultrasonic, eddy current, magnetic particle, or penetrant testing. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for training and certification. Time: 2-4 weeks per method. Value: Opens inspector roles at $70K-90K; specialized skill with strong demand.
Welding Certifications - If you're going into manufacturing or industrial work. AWS (American Welding Society) certifications in TIG, MIG, or other processes. Cost: $500-2,000 for training and certification. Value: Adds versatility; many aerospace and industrial roles value welding skills.
OSHA 30-hour Safety Certification - General industry or construction safety training. Cost: $150-300. Time: 1 week online. Value: Often required for industrial and manufacturing roles; shows safety awareness.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
Precision Measurement Certifications - Blueprint reading, GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing). Cost: $500-1,500. Value: Helpful for quality control and inspection roles, but often employer-provided.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If you're pivoting to management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-3,000 for training + exam. Value: Only useful if targeting management positions.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Recognizing the gap is the first step.
FAA regulations vs. Navy procedures: The FAA has its own regulatory framework (14 CFR Part 43, Part 65, etc.). You'll need to learn FAA airworthiness requirements, proper logbook entries, return-to-service procedures, and AD (Airworthiness Directive) compliance. It's similar to Navy maintenance but different enough to matter. Your A&P prep will teach you this.
Civilian customer service and communication: Airlines and aerospace companies have different cultures than the Navy. You'll deal with union reps, civilian supervisors, and bureaucratic HR departments. The direct Navy communication style doesn't always work. You'll need to adjust and be more diplomatic.
Civilian resume and interview skills: Writing a civilian resume without Navy jargon is hard. HR screeners don't know what "AIMD" or "IMRL" means. Interviewing requires you to translate your experience into language they understand. Use the resume builder at Military Transition Toolkit to help with this.
Understanding civilian workplace pace and politics: Navy aviation maintenance is "fix it now so the bird can fly." Civilian aviation has deadlines too, but also scheduled maintenance windows, union work rules, and different urgency levels. Some jobs move slower; line maintenance is just as intense. Be prepared to adapt.
Computer skills and digital systems: Many civilian maintenance tracking systems are computer-based. If you're not comfortable with basic computer use, email, and digital documentation, get up to speed. Most jobs require this.
Real AM success stories
Derek, 27, former AM2 → Aircraft mechanic at Delta Air Lines
After 6 years as an AM, Derek got out and challenged his A&P exams using his Navy records. Passed on first try. Started at a regional airline (SkyWest) for $58K doing line maintenance. After 2 years, got hired by Delta in Atlanta for $78K. Now making $88K after 3 years with Delta, on track for $100K+ with overtime and shift differentials. He's in the union and loves the job security and benefits.
Lisa, 29, former AM1 → Composite fabrication tech at Boeing
Lisa did 8 years, got out as an E-6. Used her GI Bill to get an associate's degree in Aviation Maintenance Tech while working part-time at a small MRO shop. Boeing hired her as a composite fabrication tech in Everett, WA for $72K. After 2 years she's at $78K, working on 787 Dreamliner production. She loves the work and the stability—no more deployments, and she's home every night.
Tom, 31, former AME → MRO heavy maintenance supervisor
Tom did 10 years, got out as an E-6. Got his A&P immediately, then worked at an MRO facility (AAR Corp) starting at $65K as a heavy maintenance mechanic. Specialized in landing gear and hydraulic overhaul. After 4 years he's a lead technician making $92K, supervising a team of 6 mechanics. He's considering management track for $100K+ roles.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do when you transition:
Month 1: Documentation and assessment
- Gather ALL your Navy training certificates, maintenance logs, and work documentation (critical for FAA A&P experience verification)
- Request your complete service records and DD-214—keep multiple copies
- Research A&P certification pathways: challenging exams vs. attending AMTS program
- Apply for VA disability if applicable
- Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your structural repair and fabrication experience
- Research 3 career paths that interest you (airlines, aerospace manufacturing, MRO, etc.)
Month 2: Certification and applications
- If challenging A&P exams: Start test prep course (Bakers School of Aeronautics, Prepware, or similar—GI Bill may cover)
- If attending AMTS: Apply to programs and start GI Bill paperwork
- Update your resume using civilian language—translate Navy jargon (use our transition toolkit)
- Apply to 10+ jobs per week on Indeed, JSfirm (aviation job board), Glassdoor, and company career sites (airline careers pages, Boeing, Lockheed, etc.)
- Attend veteran job fairs—airlines and aerospace companies actively recruit veteran mechanics
Month 3: Interview prep and networking
- Practice explaining your AM experience without Navy acronyms
- Prepare examples of structural repairs, fabrication projects, and problem-solving
- Connect with other AM veterans who've transitioned (LinkedIn groups, veteran organizations)
- Follow up on applications every 1-2 weeks
- If you haven't landed a job yet, consider temporary/contract work at MRO shops or repair stations to build civilian experience
- Schedule your A&P exams if you're ready (written, oral, and practical)
Bottom line for Navy AMs
Your AM experience isn't starting from zero—it's a massive competitive advantage.
You've got hands-on airframe repair, sheet metal fabrication, composite materials expertise, hydraulic systems knowledge, and precision structural work skills that are in high demand across the aviation industry and beyond.
The FAA recognizes your military aviation maintenance experience. That means you can fast-track your A&P certification—the credential that opens doors to $80K-110K airline careers—without spending 18-24 months in school.
First-year civilian income of $55K-70K is realistic. Within 5 years, $85K-95K+ is very achievable if you get your A&P and target airlines or major aerospace companies. MRO specialists and manufacturing roles offer similar earning potential.
Commercial airlines need you. Boeing needs you. Lockheed Martin needs you. MRO facilities need you. Even industries outside aviation (wind energy, industrial manufacturing) value your metalworking and composite skills.
Don't let anyone tell you your skills don't translate. Thousands of AMs have successfully transitioned before you, and employers are actively looking for people with your exact background.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.