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The differences between aircraft mechanics and aircraft maintenance technicians 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 technician. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $53,026 average annual salary of an aircraft maintenance technician.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft maintenance technician are FAA, airframe, and powerplant.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $53,026 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $25.49 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 105,268 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 43% |
| 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.
Aircraft Maintenance Technicians make commercial, government/private airplanes, and helicopters safe for their crew and passengers. They ensure that aircrafts meet Federal Aviation Regulations.
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft maintenance technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $53,026 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $37,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Nevada |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Citi |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and an aircraft maintenance technician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 43% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and aircraft maintenance technicians' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Maintenance Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 93.6% Female, 6.4% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.1% Asian, 6.6% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |