Working as an Aircraft Engineer and Technician
Job Outlook in BC
Employment in the manufacturing and maintenance sectors of the British Columbia’s aerospace industry has grown. There is a shortage of skilled workers in this occupational group to meet future demand.
There will be strong demand for individuals trained in aviation component overhaul, which along with maintenance and repair of aircraft, is the primary activity in the B.C. aerospace industry.
Aircraft mechanics and inspectors
Chart from WorkBC
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic
Chart from WorkBC
WorkBC provides job openings in BC regions from 2021-2031:
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft inspectors
| Region | Employment in 2021 | Average Annual Employment Growth 2021-2031 |
Estimated Number of Job Openings 2021-2031 |
| Vancouver Island | 320 | 0.8% | 130 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest |
1,760 | 3.5% | 1,340 |
| Thompson- Okanagan |
560 | 0.2% | 90 |
| Kootenay | 70 | 1.3% | 20 |
| Cariboo | 170 | -0.1% | 10 |
| North Coast & Nechako |
40 | 7.3% | 50 |
Aircraft instrument electrical and avionics mechanics
| Region | Employment in 2021 | Average Annual Employment Growth 2021-2031 |
Estimated Number of Job Openings 2021-2031 |
| Vancouver Island | 130 | 0.6% | 40 |
| Lower Mainland / Southwest |
430 | 3.5% | 300 |
| Thompson- Okanagan |
100 | 0.2% | 20 |
You can learn more about working as an aircraft mechanic or aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic in BC from:
Types of Employers
Aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians work for:
- regional or national airline companies
- architectural or engineering companies
- aircraft manufacturing and maintenance companies
- the armed forces
- other aircraft operators
Salary & Working Hours
In BC, the median salary for aircraft mechanics and inspectors is $69,868.
The median salary for aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics is $77,939.
In BC’s regions, you can expect to earn:
Aircraft Mechanics and Aircraft Inspectors
Source: Job Bank Canada
Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics
Source: Job Bank Canada
If you work on jets or for commercial airlines, you are usually paid more than other employees. Full-time mechanics receive employee benefits such as dental coverage, paid sick days and vacation, and pension plans. You may also get reduced airfares for yourself and your immediate family.
Most aircraft mechanics in Canada are members of a union. This means that your pay rates and benefits are negotiated on your behalf by union representatives.
Sources: WorkBC & Career Cruising
Working Hours
Most aircraft maintenance engineers and technicians work 40 hours per week including day, evening, night and weekend shifts.