Aircraft mechanic vs jet engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft mechanics and jet engine 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 jet engine mechanic. Additionally, a jet engine mechanic has an average salary of $61,098, 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 jet engine mechanic are test equipment, test stands, and aircraft engines.

Aircraft mechanic vs jet engine mechanic overview

	Aircraft Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$60,496	$61,098
Hourly rate	$29.08	$29.37
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	35,667	36,953
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Aircraft mechanic vs jet engine mechanic salary

Aircraft mechanics and jet engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Aircraft Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$60,496	$61,098
Salary range	Between $41,000 And $87,000	Between $46,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Newport News, VA	-
Highest paying state	Maryland	-
Best paying company	AECOM	-
Best paying industry	Government	-

Differences between aircraft mechanic and jet engine mechanic education

There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a jet engine mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Aircraft Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 38%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	SUNY Farmingdale

Aircraft mechanic vs jet engine mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and jet engine mechanics' demographics:

	Aircraft Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9%	Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between aircraft mechanic and jet engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft mechanic example responsibilities.

Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Perform scheduled maintenance tasks in accordance with manufacturer and FAA guidelines.
Conduce problem analysis, correction/repairs and operational checks of aircraft avionics, electrical, propulsion and hydraulic systems.
Train in OSHA and HAZMAT.
Change cables and pulleys command.
Obtain and continue MSHA training.

Jet engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
Complete course in mechanical diagnosis and repair techniques.
Flight line work include engine changes, removal and installation of engine parts, and APU parts and unit.
Communicate to customers the diagnosis and repair estimates.
Perform engine run operation on install and uninstal engines, troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
Remove, inspect and repair gearboxes and all gearbox mount components.

Aircraft mechanic vs jet engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 11%
Airframe, 6%
FAA, 5%
Aircraft Systems, 5%
Landing Gear, 5%
Technical Data, 4%

Common jet engine mechanic skills

Test Equipment, 18%
Test Stands, 12%
Aircraft Engines, 7%
Aerospace, 5%
Maintenance Manuals, 3%
Maintenance Practices, 3%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft Mechanic vs Jet Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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