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The differences between aircraft mechanics and lead 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 lead mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $54,471 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $26.19 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 86,668 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| 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 lead mechanic coordinates the teams of mechanics and ensures the timely completion of repairs. Lead mechanics supervise their subordinates, order mechanical parts, and inspect their work making sure that the standards are met. They are responsible for repairing, overhauling, and maintaining vehicles or farm equipment. It is their job to provide support and give advice on matters associated with repairs. They also conduct road tests and maintain the repair of equipment. They should also have leadership and strong communication skills.
Aircraft mechanics and lead mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $54,471 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $40,000 And $73,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Anchorage, AK |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AECOM | California Resources |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a lead mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and lead mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Lead Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2% |
| 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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |