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The differences between aircraft mechanics and technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.
The top three skills for an aircraft mechanic include hand tools, airframe and FAA. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Technician | |
| Yearly salary | $60,496 | $38,045 |
| Hourly rate | $29.08 | $18.29 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 1% |
| Number of jobs | 35,667 | 596,842 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 2 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| 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.
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
Aircraft mechanics and technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average salary | $60,496 | $38,045 |
| Salary range | Between $41,000 And $87,000 | Between $24,000 And $58,000 |
| Highest paying City | Newport News, VA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Maryland | Hawaii |
| Best paying company | AECOM | Microsoft |
| Best paying industry | Government | Telecommunication |
There are a few differences between an aircraft mechanic and a technician in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Technician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 38% | Bachelor's Degree, 32% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Business |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between aircraft mechanics' and technicians' demographics:
| Aircraft Mechanic | Technician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8% |
| 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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |