Post job

Aircraft worker vs aircraft engine mechanic

The differences between aircraft workers and aircraft 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 worker and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft engine mechanic has an average salary of $56,092, which is higher than the $41,205 average annual salary of an aircraft worker.

The top three skills for an aircraft worker include hand tools, landing gear and aircraft maintenance. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.

Aircraft worker vs aircraft engine mechanic overview

Aircraft WorkerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary$41,205$56,092
Hourly rate$19.81$26.97
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs24,26937,033
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 41%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

What does an aircraft worker do?

An aircraft worker has similar responsibilities to an aircraft mechanic; they focus on maintaining the aircraft, determining potential problems, and providing immediate solutions. An aircraft worker or mechanic is part of the maintenance team. They work to keep all aircraft under their custody in working order. This position requires full knowledge in aircraft engineering, expertise in engine maintenance, and knowledge of all aircraft safety protocols.

What does an aircraft engine mechanic do?

The Aircraft Engine Mechanic maintains the serviceability of all aircraft under the mechanic's care. They use manuals, blueprints and run diagnostics on aircraft engines. The mechanic tasks are to conduct repairs and maintenance and provide suggestions and recommendations for upgrades. Aircraft Engine Mechanics are crucial for any aviation company, as every part of the aircraft's engine should be in working order before the flight. The mechanic will also inspect the plane if its engine is still within the engine regulations.

Aircraft worker vs aircraft engine mechanic salary

Aircraft workers and aircraft engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Aircraft WorkerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Average salary$41,205$56,092
Salary rangeBetween $23,000 And $71,000Between $36,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City-Newark, NJ
Highest paying state-New Jersey
Best paying company-General Electric
Best paying industry-Government

Differences between aircraft worker and aircraft engine mechanic education

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

Aircraft WorkerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 33%Associate Degree, 41%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeSUNY FarmingdalePurdue University

Aircraft worker vs aircraft engine mechanic demographics

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

Aircraft WorkerAircraft Engine Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 85.6% Female, 14.4%Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 9.4% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 24.1% Asian, 5.4% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%Black or African American, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between aircraft worker and aircraft engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Aircraft worker example responsibilities.

  • Manage the FOD prevention program to reduce costly repairs and increase the participation in FOD awareness and FOD walk downs.
  • Refuel and defuel various models of civilian and DOD aircraft.
  • Practice good housekeeping standards, FOD awareness, tool control, and safety procedures at all times.
  • Perform schedule and unschedule maintenance on communication, radar, instrument, electrical/power distribution, and integrate weapons delivery systems.
  • Diagnose and troubleshot malfunctions in electrical and electronic components, including solid state and transistorize subsystems on UH-60A aircraft.

Aircraft engine mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Lead and train personnel supporting aerospace equipment sustainment and operations.
  • Apply technical knowledge of airframe systems in determining equipment malfunctions and apply required expertise in restoring equipment condition to operating status.
  • Qualify in CPR and up to first responders level.
  • Perform depot level overhaul contract maintenance on foreign and domestic customer jet engines.

Aircraft worker vs aircraft engine mechanic skills

Common aircraft worker skills
  • Hand Tools, 13%
  • Landing Gear, 8%
  • Aircraft Maintenance, 7%
  • Safety Rules, 7%
  • Ventilation, 6%
  • Ladders, 6%
Common aircraft engine mechanic skills
  • Troubleshoot, 10%
  • Hand Tools, 9%
  • Security Clearance, 8%
  • Test Equipment, 5%
  • Ladders, 5%
  • Gearboxes, 4%

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs