Aircraft structure mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for an aircraft structure mechanic include calipers, jigs and stabilizers. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Aircraft structure mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$62,809	$47,149
Hourly rate	$30.20	$22.67
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	36,380	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	4	2

What does an aircraft structure mechanic do?

Aircraft structure mechanics are skilled professionals who are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft components and airframe structural supports. These mechanics are required to use hand tools and testing equipment to perform repairs and troubleshoot aircraft components. They must conduct inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems and related aviation equipment to isolate faults and determine the required repairs or replacements. Aircraft structure mechanics must also interpret maintenance manuals so that they can determine the feasibility and method of repairing malfunctioning components.

What does a mechanic do?

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 structure mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$62,809	$47,149
Salary range	Between $46,000 And $85,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	Lakewood, WA	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Connecticut
Best paying company	Erickson	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between aircraft structure mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Aviation	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Purdue University	-

Aircraft structure mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Aircraft Structure Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 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%

Differences between aircraft structure mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Aircraft structure mechanic vs mechanic skills

Common aircraft structure mechanic skills

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

Common mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Aircraft Structure Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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