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The differences between aircraft engine mechanics and power plant technicians 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 a power plant technician. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $46,681 average annual salary of a power plant technician.
The top three skills for an aircraft engine mechanic include troubleshoot, hand tools and security clearance. The most important skills for a power plant technician are plant equipment, preventive maintenance, and gearboxes.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Power Plant Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $56,092 | $46,681 |
| Hourly rate | $26.97 | $22.44 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 37,033 | 36,418 |
| 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.
Power plant technicians, paid at an average of $790K per year, must have skills in concentration, dexterity, mechanics, and problem-solving. They will need a high school diploma or GED at the very least, though some employers do prefer a college or vocational school degree, as well as strong math and science backgrounds. Those who choose this career will be called on to controlling and monitoring -power plant equipment, like boilers, turbines, and generators.
Aircraft engine mechanics and power plant technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Power Plant Technician | |
| Average salary | $56,092 | $46,681 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $86,000 | Between $30,000 And $71,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newark, NJ | - |
| Highest paying state | New Jersey | - |
| Best paying company | General Electric | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between an aircraft engine mechanic and a power plant technician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Power Plant Technician | |
| 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 power plant technicians' demographics:
| Aircraft Engine Mechanic | Power Plant Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% | Male, 95.2% Female, 4.8% |
| 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, 23.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |