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The differences between aircraft engine mechanics 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 aircraft engine mechanic and an aircraft mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $56,092 average annual salary of an aircraft engine mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and security clearance. The most important skills for an aircraft mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $56,092 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $26.97 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 37,033 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| 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 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.
Aircraft engine mechanics and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $56,092 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $86,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Maryland |
| Best paying company | General Electric | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between an aircraft engine mechanic and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft engine mechanics' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| 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, 23.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |