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The differences between auto mechanics and aircraft mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become an auto mechanic, becoming an aircraft mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $41,683 average annual salary of an auto mechanic.
The top three skills for an auto mechanic include customer vehicles, customer service and diagnosis. The most important skills for an aircraft mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Auto Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $41,683 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $20.04 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 95,553 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
An auto mechanic's role is to repair and maintain automotive vehicles, ensuring that they function efficiently and safely. They are primarily responsible for discussing issues with clients, inspecting vehicles to identify the root of problems, performing test drives, and conducting corrective measures. Sometimes this is done in collaboration with other mechanics to ensure accuracy and speed. They can also replace oil, brakes, and even other fluids. Moreover, an auto mechanic must inform the extent of repairs to clients, letting them know which parts need replacement or fixes.
An aircraft mechanic is responsible for regularly checking and maintaining aircraft systems to ensure its safety and stability during operations. Aircraft mechanics should have extensive knowledge of troubleshooting and detecting system malfunctions. They are also required to adhere strictly with the standard protocols and regulations of the company, guaranteeing smooth procedures and efficient solutions. Aircraft mechanics must possess excellent decision-making and critical-thinking skills to perform diagnosis and inspection under minimal supervision. An aircraft mechanic should be able to utilize aviation tools and equipment, document resources, and report findings for safety concerns.
Auto mechanics and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Auto Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $41,683 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $29,000 And $59,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | Boston, MA | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | Washington | Maryland |
| Best paying company | City of Detroit | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | Government | Government |
There are a few differences between an auto mechanic and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Auto Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 47% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Aviation |
| Most common college | - | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between auto mechanics' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Auto Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 96.4% Female, 3.6% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.9% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 19.6% Asian, 5.0% White, 60.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |