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The differences between aircraft technicians 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 technician, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft technician has an average salary of $50,212, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for an aircraft technician include FAA, airframe and aircraft components. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Aircraft Technician | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $50,212 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $24.14 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 28,265 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | - | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 39% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
An Aircraft Technician inspects, maintains, and addresses any issues that arise with an aircraft. Their primary duties include diagnosing electrical issues, replacing defective parts, and maintaining aircraft standards.
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 technicians and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Aircraft Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $50,212 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $69,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | San Francisco, CA | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Aviation Technology Group | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between an aircraft technician and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Aircraft Technician | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 39% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | SUNY Farmingdale | - |
Here are the differences between aircraft technicians' and mechanics' demographics:
| Aircraft Technician | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| Race ratio | Black 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, 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% |