Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
$73KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
Live · Guide v1.0AN · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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NAVY · ANCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.AN.R.04
AN · NAVY · Enlisted
Airman.
Navy AN (Airman). 40 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $48K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours40DoD pipeline
ACE creditACENo ACE Credit Recommendation
Tech roles3mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your AN background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What AN training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Procedural Compliance→ Following established protocols in software development and IT operations.
- 02Team Synchronization→ Collaborating effectively with developers, testers, and other team members.
- 03Situational Awareness→ Identifying potential risks and proactively addressing them in software projects.
- 04Resource Optimization→ Efficiently managing and utilizing resources in IT projects.
- 05Aircraft Maintenance Documentation→ Creating and maintaining detailed records of software testing and issue resolution.
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+IT support ticketing systems (e.g., Jira Service Management, Zendesk)+Fundamentals of computer hardware and software+Basic networking concepts (e.g., TCP/IP, DNS)+Software testing methodologies and tools+At least one programming language (e.g., Python, JavaScript) for test automation+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+SQL for data querying and manipulation+Statistical analysis techniques
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician
$78KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Associate's degree in aviation maintenance or related field
- — Specific aerospace software knowledge
Wind Turbine Technician
$58KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Renewable energy safety training
- — Climbing and rescue certification
- — Electrical troubleshooting skills
Maintenance Technician
$55KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific equipment maintenance certifications (e.g., HVAC, industrial machinery)
- — PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) knowledge
Automotive Mechanic
$48KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — ASE certifications
- — Automotive diagnostic software proficiency
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your AN training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
Procedural Compliance
Airmen meticulously follow detailed maintenance manuals and safety protocols to ensure aircraft are serviced correctly and safely. They understand the importance of adhering to established procedures to prevent accidents and maintain operational readiness.
Transfers to
This translates directly to any field requiring strict adherence to protocols and regulations. Your ability to follow procedures minimizes errors and ensures consistency in operations.
Team Synchronization
Airmen work as part of a team to complete maintenance tasks on aircraft. They coordinate with other team members to ensure that tasks are completed efficiently and safely, understanding that the entire team depends on their individual contributions.
Transfers to
Your experience in a synchronized team environment means you understand the importance of clear communication, shared goals, and mutual support to achieve success. This is valuable in any collaborative work environment.
Situational Awareness
Airmen must constantly monitor their surroundings while working on or around aircraft. They need to be aware of potential hazards, such as moving vehicles or aircraft, and take appropriate precautions to avoid accidents. They are trained to proactively identify and mitigate risks.
Transfers to
Your honed situational awareness makes you adept at identifying potential risks and proactively taking steps to prevent problems. This is a valuable asset in any role that requires vigilance and attention to detail.
Resource Optimization
Airmen are often required to manage tools, equipment, and materials efficiently. They learn to minimize waste and ensure that resources are used effectively to complete maintenance tasks within budget and time constraints.
Transfers to
You know how to make the most of available resources, preventing waste and maximizing efficiency. This skill is crucial for success in any role that involves managing budgets, inventory, or project timelines.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Quality Control Inspector
SOC 51-9061You've been trained to adhere to strict maintenance standards and protocols on complex machinery. This eye for detail, combined with your commitment to safety and procedural compliance, makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring quality in manufacturing or production environments.
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099You've gained experience working on complex mechanical systems and following detailed maintenance procedures. These skills directly translate to maintaining and repairing wind turbines, a growing field that requires individuals who can work both independently and as part of a team.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091You've developed a strong understanding of mechanical systems through your work on aircraft maintenance. Amusement park rides are complex pieces of machinery that require regular maintenance and inspection, leveraging your existing skills and offering a similar hands-on environment.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Airman Apprenticeship Training
Various Naval Air Stations40hHours
1wkWeeks
ACECredit
No ACE Credit Recommendation
Topics · 5
- Basic Aircraft Safety
- Aircraft Handling Procedures
- Aircraft Cleaning and Corrosion Control
- Use of Hand Tools and Measuring Devices
- Basic Aircraft Maintenance Documentation
Partial coverage · 2
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) General50%
While the military provides hands-on experience with aircraft maintenance, formal training on FAA regulations, specific aircraft systems beyond those used in the military, and detailed troubleshooting procedures per civilian standards are needed.
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)20%
Gaps include business management principles, aviation safety management systems (SMS), and regulatory compliance within civilian aviation operations. This role is more suited after gaining experience in naval aviation.
Recommended next · 04
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) AirframeAdjacent
- Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) PowerplantAdjacent
- FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)Adjacent
- Certified Aircraft MechanicAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) | FAA-approved aircraft maintenance programs | Operations |
| Aircraft Maintenance Logs and Records | Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) and digital aircraft maintenance tracking software | Data |
| Corrosion Control Procedures | Aerospace coatings and corrosion prevention techniques | Operations |
| Aircraft Towing Equipment | Aircraft tugs and tow tractors | Aviation |
| Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Aviation Environments | OSHA-compliant PPE for industrial environments | Operations |
| Aircraft Cleaning and Detailing Procedures | Commercial aircraft cleaning and detailing services | Aviation |
/ Translator · Live
Translate AN into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.