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The differences between aircraft mechanics and aircraft electricians 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 mechanic and an aircraft electrician. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $54,605 average annual salary of an aircraft electrician.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft electrician are electrical systems, hazardous materials, and diagnose malfunctions.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $54,605 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $26.25 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 19,166 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $54,605 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $38,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Edgewood, MD |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Northrop Grumman |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and an aircraft electrician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and aircraft electricians' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |