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The differences between aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic and a senior mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $51,569 average annual salary of a senior mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft structure mechanic include calipers, jigs and stabilizers. The most important skills for a senior mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.
| Aircraft Structure Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $62,809 | $51,569 |
| Hourly rate | $30.20 | $24.79 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 5% |
| Number of jobs | 36,380 | 85,706 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 37% | Associate Degree, 31% |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
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 structure mechanics and senior mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Structure Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $62,809 | $51,569 |
| Salary range | Between $46,000 And $85,000 | Between $37,000 And $70,000 |
| Highest paying City | Lakewood, WA | Roseville, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Erickson | Orange County Sanitation District |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Energy |
There are a few differences between an aircraft structure mechanic and a senior mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Structure Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 37% | 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 structure mechanics' and senior mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Structure Mechanic | Senior Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 49 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3% | Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0% |
| 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, 8.2% 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% |