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The differences between aircraft mechanics and 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 mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| 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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Aircraft mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Government | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |