Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between aircraft fuelers 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 fueler and an aircraft mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, 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 mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Aircraft Fueler | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $34,395 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $16.54 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 10,728 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 fuelers and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Fueler | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $34,395 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $25,000 And $45,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | North Las Vegas, NV | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Maryland |
| Best paying company | FlightSafety International | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | Transportation | Government |
There are a few differences between an aircraft fueler and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Fueler | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 48% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Business | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft fuelers' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Fueler | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| 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, 9.7% 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% |