5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades

In short

• ONS unit group 5234, in minor group 523 (Vehicle trades) and major group 5 (Skilled trades occupations).
• Appendix Skilled Occupations (figures as at 3 August 2026, re-checked 26 October 2026): Transitional tables only: Table 1a, Table 2aa.
• Going rate as the tables print it:
  • Table 1a, Going rate (SW – options A and D): £45,000 (£23.08 per hour)
  • Table 2aa, Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU): £34,800 (£17.85 per hour)

What the ONS says

Description

Aircraft maintenance and related trades fit, service, repair and overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies. Licensed aircraft engineers are coded to Unit Group 3113.

Typical entry routes

Entrants usually possess GCSEs/S grades or a BTEC/SQA award. Apprenticeships in Engineering Maintenance at level 3 are available. NVQs/SVQs are available at level 2 and 3.

Tasks

• examines drawings, manuals and specifications to determine appropriate methods and sequence of operations
• fits and assembles parts and/or metal sub-assemblies to fine tolerances to make aircraft engines
• replaces engine components or complete engines, installs and tests electrical and electronic components and systems in aircraft
• examines and inspects airframes and aircraft components, including landing gear, hydraulic systems, and de-icers to detect wear, cracks, breaks, leaks, or other problems
• maintains, repairs and rebuilds aircraft structures, functional components, and parts
• maintains comprehensive repair logs

Related job titles

• Aeronautical engineer
• Aircraft electrician
• Aircraft engineer
• Aircraft fitter
• Aircraft mechanic
• Maintenance engineer (aircraft)

What the Appendix Skilled Occupations says

The Appendix lists this code in the tables below, with the tables’ own caption and the row as printed. Read the full table, and any condition in it, on GOV.UK.

Table 1a: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Aircraft maintenance and related trades

Going rate (SW – options A and D)

£45,000 (£23.08 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option B)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option C)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option E)

£33,400 (£17.13 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Table 2aa: Additional eligible SOC 2020 occupation codes and related going rates for Skilled Worker applicants granted permission under the rules in place before 22 July 2025

SOC 2020 occupation code

5234 Aircraft maintenance and related trades

Equivalent SOC 2010 occupation code(s)

5235

Examples of related job titles (non-exclusive)

• Aircraft maintenance and related trades

Going rate (SW – options F and I, GBM and SCU)

£34,800 (£17.85 per hour)

90% of going rate (SW – option G)

Not applicable

80% of going rate (SW – option H)

Not applicable

70% of going rate (SW – option J, GTR)

£25,000 (£12.82 per hour)

Eligible for PhD points (SW)?

No

Other unit groups in minor group 523

• 5231 Vehicle technicians, mechanics and electricians
• 5232 Vehicle body builders and repairers
• 5233 Vehicle paint technicians
• 5235 Boat and ship builders and repairers
• 5236 Rail and rolling stock builders and repairers

Sources

Occupation text: Office for National Statistics, SOC 2020 Volume 1: structure and descriptions of unit groups (file dated 27 August 2026, version V13). Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Open Government Licence v3.0. Tables: Home Office, Immigration Rules Appendix Skilled Occupations on GOV.UK, page updated 3 August 2026; re-checked against the page updated 8 October 2026 on 26 October 2026, tables unchanged.

All 412 occupation codes

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