Airframe mechanic vs aircraft engine mechanic

The differences between airframe mechanics 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 airframe mechanic and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, an airframe mechanic has an average salary of $60,976, which is higher than the $56,092 average annual salary of an aircraft engine mechanic.

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

Airframe mechanic vs aircraft engine mechanic overview

	Airframe Mechanic	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$60,976	$56,092
Hourly rate	$29.32	$26.97
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	34,067	37,033
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	Associate Degree, 41%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Airframe mechanic vs aircraft engine mechanic salary

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$60,976	$56,092
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $86,000	Between $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 airframe mechanic and aircraft engine mechanic education

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	Associate Degree, 41%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Airframe mechanic vs aircraft engine mechanic demographics

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Aircraft Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%	Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 56.9% 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 Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between airframe mechanic and aircraft engine mechanic duties and responsibilities

Airframe mechanic example responsibilities.

Utilize and reference additional supporting documentation including FAA approve engineering data/drawings, supporting company policies/procedures and supervisory instructions.
Line maintenance on ATR-42s and Embraer Brazilias.
Design and implement tracking checklist for each helicopter to track progress of each modification installation.

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.

Airframe mechanic vs aircraft engine mechanic skills

Common airframe mechanic skills

Landing Gear, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Hand Tools, 8%
Structural Repairs, 8%
Maintenance Tasks, 4%
Maintenance Manuals, 4%

Common aircraft engine mechanic skills

Troubleshoot, 10%
Hand Tools, 9%
Security Clearance, 8%
Test Equipment, 5%
Ladders, 5%
Gearboxes, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Airframe Mechanic
Airframe Mechanic vs Aircraft Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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