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Aircraft technician vs jet engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft technicians 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 technician and a jet engine mechanic. Additionally, a jet engine mechanic has an average salary of $61,098, which is higher than the $50,212 average annual salary of an aircraft technician.

The top three skills for an aircraft technician include FAA, airframe and aircraft components. The most important skills for a jet engine mechanic are test equipment, test stands, and aircraft engines.

Aircraft technician vs jet engine mechanic overview

Aircraft TechnicianJet Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary$50,212$61,098
Hourly rate$24.14$29.37
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs28,26536,953
Job satisfaction-5
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%Associate Degree, 34%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Aircraft technician vs jet engine mechanic salary

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

Aircraft TechnicianJet Engine Mechanic
Average salary$50,212$61,098
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $69,000Between $46,000 And $80,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CA-
Highest paying stateNevada-
Best paying companyAviation Technology Group-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between aircraft technician and jet engine mechanic education

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

Aircraft TechnicianJet Engine Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%Associate Degree, 34%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdaleSUNY Farmingdale

Aircraft technician vs jet engine mechanic demographics

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

Aircraft TechnicianJet Engine Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 94.1% Female, 5.9%Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.8% White, 54.9% 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between aircraft technician and jet engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft technician example responsibilities.

  • Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
  • Used micrometers, calipers and depth gauges to verify quality standards are met and document discrepancies.
  • Diagnose and troubleshoot malfunctions in CH-47F engines and their components.
  • Perform structural repairs as required and prepare components for NDI inspections by cleaning and striping and repainting components after inspections.
  • Perform structural installation on wing tips, used reamers, drill bushing for hi-lock countersunk rivets, and cherry max fasteners.
  • Perform and supervise the maintenance/repair requirements of helicopter hydraulic/pneumatic systems components.
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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.
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Aircraft technician vs jet engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft technician skills
  • FAA, 11%
  • Airframe, 8%
  • Aircraft Components, 7%
  • Aircraft Systems, 5%
  • Ground Support Equipment, 5%
  • Landing Gear, 5%
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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