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Aircraft maintenance director vs head mechanic

The differences between aircraft maintenance directors and head 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 maintenance director and a head mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $70,309 average annual salary of an aircraft maintenance director.

The top three skills for an aircraft maintenance director include FAA, flight operations and maintenance operations. The most important skills for a head mechanic are preventive maintenance, R, and air compressors.

Aircraft maintenance director vs head mechanic overview

Aircraft Maintenance DirectorHead Mechanic
Yearly salary$70,309$116,841
Hourly rate$33.80$56.17
Growth rate7%4%
Number of jobs63,49142,612
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 37%
Average age4949
Years of experience44

Aircraft maintenance director vs head mechanic salary

Aircraft maintenance directors and head mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Aircraft Maintenance DirectorHead Mechanic
Average salary$70,309$116,841
Salary rangeBetween $41,000 And $119,000Between $86,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between aircraft maintenance director and head mechanic education

There are a few differences between an aircraft maintenance director and a head mechanic in terms of educational background:

Aircraft Maintenance DirectorHead Mechanic
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%High School Diploma, 37%
Most common majorBusinessAutomotive Technology
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleSUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Aircraft maintenance director vs head mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft maintenance directors' and head mechanics' demographics:

Aircraft Maintenance DirectorHead Mechanic
Average age4949
Gender ratioMale, 91.9% Female, 8.1%Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage4%4%

Differences between aircraft maintenance director and head mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft maintenance director example responsibilities.

  • Conceptualize and implement TPM strategies covering operations, quality assurance, and maintenance essential to achieve company goals and increase OEE.
  • Research and generate FAA field approvals and STC's for FAA approval for all avionics install projects.
  • Develop and maintain positive relationships with local and national FAA inspectors.
  • Direct and organize all aircraft maintenance activities including logistics, programs, and facilities management.
  • Provide oversight and assistance to American and Japanese contractors performing upgrades to airfield safety and control systems.
  • Perform facility tool and system PMs according to manufacturing and internal specifications.

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
  • Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
  • Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
  • Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
  • Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
  • Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).
  • Show more

Aircraft maintenance director vs head mechanic skills

Common aircraft maintenance director skills
  • FAA, 28%
  • Flight Operations, 14%
  • Maintenance Operations, 13%
  • Flight Deck, 11%
  • Logistics, 7%
  • Support Equipment, 7%
Common head mechanic skills
  • Preventive Maintenance, 6%
  • R, 6%
  • Air Compressors, 5%
  • Diesel Engines, 5%
  • Brake Systems, 5%
  • DOT, 5%

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