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Aircraft technician vs technician

The differences between aircraft technicians and technicians 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 technician takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an aircraft technician has an average salary of $50,212, which is higher than the $38,045 average annual salary of a technician.

The top three skills for an aircraft technician include FAA, airframe and aircraft components. The most important skills for a technician are patients, customer service, and patient care.

Aircraft technician vs technician overview

Aircraft TechnicianTechnician
Yearly salary$50,212$38,045
Hourly rate$24.14$18.29
Growth rate6%1%
Number of jobs28,265596,842
Job satisfaction-2
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Average age4040
Years of experience42

What does an aircraft technician do?

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.

What does a technician do?

Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.

Aircraft technician vs technician salary

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

Aircraft TechnicianTechnician
Average salary$50,212$38,045
Salary rangeBetween $36,000 And $69,000Between $24,000 And $58,000
Highest paying CitySan Francisco, CASan Jose, CA
Highest paying stateNevadaHawaii
Best paying companyAviation Technology GroupMicrosoft
Best paying industryManufacturingTelecommunication

Differences between aircraft technician and technician education

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

Aircraft TechnicianTechnician
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 39%Bachelor's Degree, 32%
Most common majorAviationBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY Farmingdale-

Aircraft technician vs technician demographics

Here are the differences between aircraft technicians' and technicians' demographics:

Aircraft TechnicianTechnician
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 94.1% Female, 5.9%Male, 75.2% Female, 24.8%
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, 9.4% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.4% Asian, 4.9% White, 61.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between aircraft technician and technician 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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Technician example responsibilities.

  • Achieve multiple ASE certifications within first year of employment.
  • Implement and manage UHF radio base stations, repeaters, and command network, effectively linking all regional headquarters.
  • Manage telecommunications installation and repair for hospital Nortel network.
  • Maintain numerous automate scripts to assist in managing Linux systems.
  • Manage, troubleshot and repair multiple wireless technologies including fiber optic transmission switches.
  • Install peripherals including printers, fax machines, scanners, and smartphones.
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Aircraft technician vs technician skills

Common aircraft technician skills
  • FAA, 11%
  • Airframe, 8%
  • Aircraft Components, 7%
  • Aircraft Systems, 5%
  • Ground Support Equipment, 5%
  • Landing Gear, 5%
Common technician skills
  • Patients, 16%
  • Customer Service, 14%
  • Patient Care, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Diagnosis, 5%
  • Preventative Maintenance, 4%

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