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The differences between aircraft engine mechanics 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 engine mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, 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 structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $56,092 | $62,809 |
| Hourly rate | $26.97 | $30.20 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 37,033 | 36,380 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| 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.
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 engine mechanics and aircraft structure mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $56,092 | $62,809 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $86,000 | Between $46,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | Alaska |
| Best paying company | General Electric | Erickson |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft engine mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 41% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft engine mechanics' and aircraft structure mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| 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, 9.1% 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% |