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The differences between aircraft mechanics and pilots 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 pilot. Additionally, a pilot has an average salary of $83,128, 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 pilot are PIC, pilot-in-command, and flight operations.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $83,128 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $39.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 3,049 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 5 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| 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 pilot is an individual who works in the aviation industry to operate aircraft and transport passengers and cargos from one location to another. Pilots can fly and navigate different types of aircrafts such as helicopters, large commercial aircraft, or cargo planes. They must perform pre-flight inspections and check flight logs to secure safety for all crews and passengers who are on board. Pilots can also decide to work as flight instructors or establish an aviation school when they have gained enough experience in the aviation industry.
Aircraft mechanics and pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Pilot | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $83,128 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $58,000 And $118,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | San Francisco, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | California |
| Best paying company | AECOM | HP |
| Best paying industry | Government | Transportation |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a pilot in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 59% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and pilots' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Pilot | |
| Average age | 40 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 70.7% Female, 29.3% |
| 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, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 9% |