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The differences between aircraft mechanics and avionics 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 avionics technician. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $55,545 average annual salary of an avionics technician.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for an avionics technician are FAA, hand tools, and electrical systems.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Avionics Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $55,545 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $26.70 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 25,603 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Average age | 40 | 33 |
| 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 avionics technician specializes in the installation, maintenance, and repair of aircraft tools and devices such as navigation, radar, radio, and other systems. They are primarily responsible for conducting regular testing and inspections for all devices, documenting every repair or change, replacing every defective or malfunctioning part, and assembling complex components. Furthermore, there are instances when technicians are required to weld and solder, even climb high places, during repairs.
Aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Avionics Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $55,545 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $40,000 And $75,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Everett, WA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Washington |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Aerotek |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and an avionics technician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Avionics Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and avionics technicians' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Avionics Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 33 |
| 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, 8.0% Unknown, 6.6% Hispanic or Latino, 27.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 52.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 14% |