Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between aircraft mechanics and aircraft structure 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 mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, 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 structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $62,809 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $30.20 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 36,380 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| 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 structure mechanics are skilled professionals who are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft components and airframe structural supports. These mechanics are required to use hand tools and testing equipment to perform repairs and troubleshoot aircraft components. They must conduct inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems and related aviation equipment to isolate faults and determine the required repairs or replacements. Aircraft structure mechanics must also interpret maintenance manuals so that they can determine the feasibility and method of repairing malfunctioning components.
Aircraft mechanics and aircraft structure mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $62,809 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $46,000 And $85,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Lakewood, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Erickson |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 37% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and aircraft structure mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Aircraft Structure Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |