Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
The differences between aircraft mechanics and senior 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 senior mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $51,569 average annual salary of a senior mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for a senior mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $51,569 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $24.79 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 85,706 |
| 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 senior mechanic builds machines or mechanical components based on client specifications and requirements. As a senior mechanic, you will perform a variety of duties that include performing technical inspections on corrective maintenance, vehicle armor and services, monitoring and supporting day-to-day facility and production operations, and troubleshooting problems. Additionally, you will perform preventative maintenance on equipment, generators, and vehicles, and conducting research on parts repair. You will also perform various custodial and maintenance duties as requested.
Aircraft mechanics and senior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $51,569 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | Roseville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Alaska |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Best paying industry | Government | Energy |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a senior mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Senior 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 senior mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.2% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.6% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 4% |