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The differences between aerospace engineers and aircraft mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both an aerospace engineer and an aircraft mechanic. Additionally, an aerospace engineer has an average salary of $100,401, which is higher than the $60,496 average annual salary of an aircraft mechanic.
The top three skills for an aerospace engineer include C++, DOD and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Aerospace Engineer | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $100,401 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $48.27 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 42,086 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An aerospace engineer specializes in designing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft and spacecraft. Their responsibilities revolve around conducting tests and procedures to identify faults and inconsistencies, lead production processes, performing repairs and improvements, designing systems, and ensuring that all equipment complies with the safety regulations and standards. They are also responsible for producing technical materials such as reports, proposals, and manuals. Furthermore, there are instances where they must set the policies and standards on the equipment they are developing while utilizing their expertise in mathematics, engineering, and sciences.
An aircraft mechanic is responsible for regularly checking and maintaining aircraft systems to ensure its safety and stability during operations. Aircraft mechanics should have extensive knowledge of troubleshooting and detecting system malfunctions. They are also required to adhere strictly with the standard protocols and regulations of the company, guaranteeing smooth procedures and efficient solutions. Aircraft mechanics must possess excellent decision-making and critical-thinking skills to perform diagnosis and inspection under minimal supervision. An aircraft mechanic should be able to utilize aviation tools and equipment, document resources, and report findings for safety concerns.
Aerospace engineers and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aerospace Engineer | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $100,401 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $71,000 And $140,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | Arizona | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Thrush Aircraft | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between an aerospace engineer and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aerospace Engineer | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 72% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Aerospace Engineering | Aviation |
| Most common college | Georgia Institute of Technology | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aerospace engineers' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Aerospace Engineer | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 88.8% Female, 11.2% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 4.1% Unknown, 4.4% Hispanic or Latino, 10.8% Asian, 11.0% White, 69.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 8% | 2% |