Aircraft engine mechanic vs car mechanic

The differences between aircraft engine mechanics and car mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an aircraft engine mechanic, becoming a car mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.

The top three skills for an aircraft engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and security clearance. The most important skills for a car mechanic are diagnostic tools, ASE, and engine repair.

Aircraft engine mechanic vs car mechanic overview

	Aircraft Engine Mechanic	Car Mechanic
Yearly salary	$56,092	$37,369
Hourly rate	$26.97	$17.97
Growth rate	6%	1%
Number of jobs	37,033	89,782
Job satisfaction	-	2
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 38%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	2

Aircraft engine mechanic vs car mechanic salary

Aircraft engine mechanics and car mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Aircraft Engine Mechanic	Car Mechanic
Average salary	$56,092	$37,369
Salary range	Between $36,000 And $86,000	Between $28,000 And $49,000
Highest paying City	Newark, NJ	-
Highest paying state	New Jersey	-
Best paying company	General Electric	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between aircraft engine mechanic and car mechanic education

There are a few differences between an aircraft engine mechanic and a car mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Aircraft Engine Mechanic	Car Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 41%	High School Diploma, 38%
Most common major	Aviation	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Purdue University	-

Aircraft engine mechanic vs car mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft engine mechanics' and car mechanics' demographics:

	Aircraft Engine Mechanic	Car Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1%	Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5%
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, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between aircraft engine mechanic and car mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
Qualify in CPR and up to first responders level.
Perform depot level overhaul contract maintenance on foreign and domestic customer jet engines.

Car mechanic example responsibilities.

Adjust and set mowing heights for all mowers per the superintendant.
Sharpen all mowing blades for greens mowers, rough mowers and fairway mowers.
Perform diagnostics on vehicle ECUs in addition to vehicle services such as oil, brakes, and filter changes.
Weld broken frames and battery boxes.
Preform tune-ups and A/C, and electrical repairs.
Fabricate new parts using gas torches, welder and various measuring tools.

Aircraft engine mechanic vs car mechanic skills

Common aircraft engine mechanic skills

Troubleshoot, 10%
Hand Tools, 9%
Security Clearance, 8%
Test Equipment, 5%
Ladders, 5%
Gearboxes, 4%

Common car mechanic skills

Diagnostic Tools, 18%
ASE, 9%
Engine Repair, 9%
Brake Pads, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 6%
Oil Changes, 6%

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Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Aircraft Engine Mechanic vs Car Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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