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The differences between aircraft mechanics and aircraft maintenance supervisors 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 maintenance supervisor. Additionally, an aircraft maintenance supervisor has an average salary of $77,005, which is higher than the $60,496 average annual salary of an aircraft mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft maintenance supervisor are maintenance tasks, OSHA, and airframe.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $77,005 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $37.02 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 62,560 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| 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 maintenance supervisor heads a team of mechanics and technicians that maintains aircraft. They ensure that all protocols mandated by aviation regulations and policies are followed. They are responsible for ensuring that maintenance personnel work efficiently, adhere to safety guidelines, and maintain all assigned aircraft. An aircraft maintenance supervisor must have experience in aviation as well as having good communication skills and organizational skills.
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft maintenance supervisors have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $77,005 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $60,000 And $97,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Victorville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Airborne Maintenance & Engineering Services |
| Best paying industry | Government | Professional |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and an aircraft maintenance supervisor in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and aircraft maintenance supervisors' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |