Efforts to revive American manufacturing jobs are clashing with a growing labor shortage in the aviation industry, where employers are facing increasing difficulty attracting and retaining skilled workers.
The average age of a certified aircraft mechanic in the U.S. is now 54, with 40% over 60; the country will be short 25,000 aircraft technicians by 2028, CNBC reports. Many current workers were hired in the 1980s and 1990s and are now approaching retirement, creating an urgent need for replacements.
The shortage worsened during the pandemic, when many aerospace workers accepted buyouts or were laid off as demand for air travel collapsed. Now, as demand rebounds, companies like GE Aerospace and major airlines are ramping up hiring, but skilled talent remains in short supply.
Aircraft technicians earn well above the national median income. In 2024, their median pay was around $79,000, with some positions at major airlines offering over $130,000 after several years of experience. Yet, despite competitive pay, companies continue to struggle to fill roles, especially in regions with smaller labor pools.
The shortage extends beyond maintenance. There are also not enough air traffic controllers, limiting airline expansion and raising safety concerns.
To address the problem, manufacturers and airlines are turning to younger generations. High schools like Aviation High School in Queens, New York, offer students the opportunity to train for FAA certifications while still in school. Some graduates are now being hired directly by major airlines, skipping smaller regional carriers entirely.
Apprenticeship programs and school partnerships are also expanding, with some companies now reaching out to middle school students to spark early interest in aerospace careers. The goal is to rebrand the industry as high-tech and innovative, distancing it from outdated perceptions of manufacturing work.
While some experts remain cautious about the limits of local labor markets to meet these needs, the aviation sector is hoping its combination of stable, well-paying jobs and national importance can help lead a larger workforce recovery.
