Airframe mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between airframe mechanics 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 airframe mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, an airframe mechanic has an average salary of $60,976, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.

The top three skills for an airframe mechanic include landing gear, safety procedures and hand tools. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Airframe mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Airframe Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$60,976	$47,149
Hourly rate	$29.32	$22.67
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	34,067	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	4	2

Airframe mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$60,976	$47,149
Salary range	Between $43,000 And $86,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between airframe mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 41%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Aviation	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Purdue University	-

Airframe mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Airframe Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 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%

Differences between airframe mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Airframe mechanic vs 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 mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

Airframe Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Airframe Mechanic related careers

Airframe Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Airframe Mechanic
Airframe Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs