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The differences between aircraft mechanics and light wheel mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become an aircraft mechanic, becoming a light wheel mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $41,948 average annual salary of a light wheel mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for a light wheel mechanic are mechanical problems, electrical systems, and equipment systems.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $41,948 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $20.17 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 90,297 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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 light wheel mechanic is responsible for maintaining the optimal performance and efficiency of light-wheeled vehicles used for industrial operations, especially in a military setting. Light wheel mechanics inspect the condition of the vehicle's engine, perform preventive maintenance, replace defective components, assemble upgrade systems based on schematics and blueprints, and create resolution reports for reference. They must have excellent knowledge of the auto-mechanic industry to determine faults and identify repairs, avoiding delays, complications, and hazards during operations.
Aircraft mechanics and light wheel mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $41,948 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $25,000 And $67,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | - |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | - |
| Best paying company | AECOM | - |
| Best paying industry | Government | - |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a light wheel mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 41% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and light wheel mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Light Wheel Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 87.4% Female, 12.6% |
| 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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.4% Asian, 2.5% White, 65.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |