Aircraft structure mechanic vs jet engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft structure mechanics and jet engine 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 structure mechanic and a jet engine mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $61,098 average annual salary of a jet engine mechanic.

The top three skills for an aircraft structure mechanic include calipers, jigs and stabilizers. The most important skills for a jet engine mechanic are test equipment, test stands, and aircraft engines.

Aircraft structure mechanic vs jet engine mechanic overview

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$62,809	$61,098
Hourly rate	$30.20	$29.37
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	36,380	36,953
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Aircraft structure mechanic vs jet engine mechanic salary

Aircraft structure mechanics and jet engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$62,809	$61,098
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $85,000	Between $46,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Lakewood, WA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Erickson	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between aircraft structure mechanic and jet engine mechanic education

There are a few differences between an aircraft structure mechanic and a jet engine mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	SUNY Farmingdale

Aircraft structure mechanic vs jet engine mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft structure mechanics' and jet engine mechanics' demographics:

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%	Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 10.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between aircraft structure mechanic and jet engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft structure mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Work as an aircraft mechanic in the USAF.
Act as liaison between USAF shop personnel and company management.
Follow appropriate safety instructions, such as requirements by OSHA.
Drill precision holes using drill bushings, core drills, reamers.

Jet engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
Complete course in mechanical diagnosis and repair techniques.
Flight line work include engine changes, removal and installation of engine parts, and APU parts and unit.
Communicate to customers the diagnosis and repair estimates.
Perform engine run operation on install and uninstal engines, troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
Remove, inspect and repair gearboxes and all gearbox mount components.

Aircraft structure mechanic vs jet engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft structure mechanic skills

Calipers, 23%
Jigs, 21%
Stabilizers, 9%
Hand Tools, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 3%
Airframe, 3%

Common jet engine mechanic skills

Test Equipment, 18%
Test Stands, 12%
Aircraft Engines, 7%
Aerospace, 5%
Maintenance Manuals, 3%
Maintenance Practices, 3%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Aircraft Structure Mechanic vs Jet Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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