Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic vs fixed wing pilot

The differences between fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanics and fixed wing pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $51,604 average annual salary of a fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic.

The top three skills for a fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic include aircraft maintenance, operational checks and . The most important skills for a fixed wing pilot are EMS, pilot-in-command, and flight operations.

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic vs fixed wing pilot overview

	Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic	Fixed Wing Pilot
Yearly salary	$51,604	$102,889
Hourly rate	$24.81	$49.47
Growth rate	-	6%
Number of jobs	37,653	2,989
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Average age	24	44
Years of experience	-	4

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic vs fixed wing pilot salary

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanics and fixed wing pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic	Fixed Wing Pilot
Average salary	$51,604	$102,889
Salary range	Between $24,000 And $108,000	Between $78,000 And $134,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic and fixed wing pilot education

There are a few differences between a fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic and a fixed wing pilot in terms of educational background:

	Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic	Fixed Wing Pilot
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 57%	Bachelor's Degree, 68%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	-	Stanford University

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic vs fixed wing pilot demographics

Here are the differences between fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanics' and fixed wing pilots' demographics:

	Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic	Fixed Wing Pilot
Average age	24	44
Gender ratio	Male, 96.0% Female, 4.0%	Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.4% Unknown, 6.4% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 5.4% White, 57.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	4%	9%

Differences between fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic and fixed wing pilot duties and responsibilities

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic example responsibilities.

Demonstrate ability to troubleshoot creatively, solve problems effectively, and make inform decisions while successfully guiding others through constant change.
Supervise and train crew members correct deployment and tactical readiness during combat situations on land and in aquatic environments.

Fixed wing pilot example responsibilities.

Project manage the initial fielding of the RQ-11 tactical UAV system.
Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
Spearhead UAS integration into the national airspace system by facilitating new FAA UAS corridors and tripling available UAS training ranges.
Perform extensive aircrew instruction and evaluation in actual aircraft, simulators and classroom to ensure the fighter wing's operational readiness.
Participate in ATOS, DOD, and IOSA audits
Perform all PIC duties on each trip.

Fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic vs fixed wing pilot skills

Common fixed-wing aircraft flight mechanic skills

Aircraft Maintenance, 77%
Operational Checks, 23%

Common fixed wing pilot skills

EMS, 93%
Pilot-In-Command, 4%
Flight Operations, 1%
Training Programs, 1%
Instructor Pilot, 0%
ATM, 0%

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic related careers

Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Crew Chief responsibilities

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Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic
Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Mechanic vs Fixed Wing Pilot

Updated January 8, 2025

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