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The differences between car 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 a car 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 $37,369 average annual salary of a car mechanic.
The top three skills for a car mechanic include diagnostic tools, ASE and engine repair. The most important skills for an aircraft mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Car Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $37,369 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $17.97 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 1% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 89,782 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | 2 | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
Car mechanics and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Car Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $37,369 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $28,000 And $49,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | - | Maryland |
| Best paying company | - | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | - | Government |
There are a few differences between a car mechanic and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Car Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 38% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Aviation |
| Most common college | - | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between car mechanics' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Car Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 97.5% Female, 2.5% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 20.8% Asian, 5.0% White, 59.5% 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% |