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The differences between aircraft inspectors and aircraft engine mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes More than 10 years to become an aircraft inspector, becoming an aircraft engine mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $41,517 average annual salary of an aircraft inspector.
The top three skills for an aircraft inspector include airframe, technical data and hand tools. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.
| Aircraft Inspector | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,517 | $56,092 |
| Hourly rate | $19.96 | $26.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 19,533 | 37,033 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 44% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 49 | 40 |
| Years of experience | - | 4 |
An aircraft inspector oversees all pre-flight inspections. They are part of the maintenance team in airports or in any aircraft hangar with regular flights. They are responsible for ensuring that all safety protocols are observed and making sure that all parts of the aircraft are in working order. An aircraft inspector must issue repair requests as needed, produce reports on inspected aircraft's status, and provide recommendations to further improve an aircraft's safety.
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 inspectors and aircraft engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Inspector | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,517 | $56,092 |
| Salary range | Between $24,000 And $70,000 | Between $36,000 And $86,000 |
| 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 inspector and an aircraft engine mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Inspector | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 44% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | - | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft inspectors' and aircraft engine mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Inspector | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average age | 49 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.9% Female, 7.1% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 13.3% Unknown, 7.5% Hispanic or Latino, 17.3% Asian, 6.3% White, 54.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% | 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 | 11% | 2% |