Aircraft fueler vs aircraft engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft fuelers and aircraft engine 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 fueler and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $34,395 average annual salary of an aircraft fueler.

The top three skills for an aircraft fueler include basic math, commercial vehicles and aircraft weight. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.

Aircraft fueler vs aircraft engine mechanic overview

	Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$34,395	$56,092
Hourly rate	$16.54	$26.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	10,728	37,033
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	Associate Degree, 41%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does an aircraft fueler do?

Aircraft fuelers' primary role is to ensure the proper refueling of aircraft before and after a flight. The position is essential, as proper refueling determines the safety of an aircraft. An aircraft fueler manages refueling equipment, transports fuel, and ensures adherence to safety protocols. They are also responsible for monitoring the functionality of all equipment and ordering repairs. This position requires a high level of safety-consciousness.

What does an aircraft engine mechanic do?

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 fueler vs aircraft engine mechanic salary

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

	Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$34,395	$56,092
Salary range	Between $25,000 And $45,000	Between $36,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City	North Las Vegas, NV	Newark, NJ
Highest paying state	Nevada	New Jersey
Best paying company	FlightSafety International	General Electric
Best paying industry	Transportation	Government

Differences between aircraft fueler and aircraft engine mechanic education

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

	Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 48%	Associate Degree, 41%
Most common major	Business	Aviation
Most common college	Stanford University	Purdue University

Aircraft fueler vs aircraft engine mechanic demographics

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

	Aircraft Fueler	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%	Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.6% Asian, 6.8% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	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%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between aircraft fueler and aircraft engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft fueler example responsibilities.

Sound knowledge of aircraft safety rules and regulations as well as the FAA's standard guidelines.
Train with accuracy and precision in military combat training, firearms training and safety, and fuel handling.
Operate all aircraft fueling operations per FAA requirements and make sure aircraft have right amount a fuel for each flight.
Experience in removal and application of aerospace coatings.
Train incoming personnel on local military and firefighting standards.
Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment during emergencies and training operations.

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.

Aircraft fueler vs aircraft engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft fueler skills

Basic Math, 43%
Commercial Vehicles, 15%
Aircraft Weight, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Quality Control Checks, 7%
FAA, 3%

Common aircraft engine mechanic skills

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

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Aircraft Fueler
Aircraft Fueler vs Aircraft Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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