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The differences between aircraft engine mechanics and aircraft electricians 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 engine mechanic and an aircraft electrician. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $54,605 average annual salary of an aircraft electrician.
The top three skills for an aircraft engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and security clearance. The most important skills for an aircraft electrician are electrical systems, hazardous materials, and diagnose malfunctions.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $56,092 | $54,605 |
| Hourly rate | $26.97 | $26.25 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 37,033 | 19,166 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
The Aircraft Engine Mechanic maintains the serviceability of all aircraft under the mechanic's care. They use manuals, blueprints and run diagnostics on aircraft engines. The mechanic tasks are to conduct repairs and maintenance and provide suggestions and recommendations for upgrades. Aircraft Engine Mechanics are crucial for any aviation company, as every part of the aircraft's engine should be in working order before the flight. The mechanic will also inspect the plane if its engine is still within the engine regulations.
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 engine mechanics and aircraft electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average salary | $56,092 | $54,605 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $86,000 | Between $38,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Edgewood, MD |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | General Electric | Northrop Grumman |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft engine mechanic and an aircraft electrician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft engine mechanics' and aircraft electricians' demographics:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | 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% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |