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The differences between aircraft electricians and aircraft structure 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 aircraft electrician and an aircraft structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $54,605 average annual salary of an aircraft electrician.
The top three skills for an aircraft electrician include electrical systems, hazardous materials and diagnose malfunctions. The most important skills for an aircraft structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.
| Aircraft Electrician | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $54,605 | $62,809 |
| Hourly rate | $26.25 | $30.20 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 19,166 | 36,380 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
Aircraft structure mechanics are skilled professionals who are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft components and airframe structural supports. These mechanics are required to use hand tools and testing equipment to perform repairs and troubleshoot aircraft components. They must conduct inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems and related aviation equipment to isolate faults and determine the required repairs or replacements. Aircraft structure mechanics must also interpret maintenance manuals so that they can determine the feasibility and method of repairing malfunctioning components.
Aircraft electricians and aircraft structure mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Electrician | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $54,605 | $62,809 |
| Salary range | Between $38,000 And $77,000 | Between $46,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Edgewood, MD | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Northrop Grumman | Erickson |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft electrician and an aircraft structure mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Electrician | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Electrical Engineering | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft electricians' and aircraft structure mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Electrician | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |