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The differences between aircraft mechanics and helicopter 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 a helicopter mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, 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 a helicopter mechanic are hand tools, safety procedures, and FAA.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $61,876 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $29.75 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 33,954 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 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.
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
Aircraft mechanics and helicopter mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $61,876 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $44,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Hollister, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a helicopter mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and helicopter mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |