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The differences between fixed wing pilots and helicopter mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a fixed wing pilot and a helicopter mechanic. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $61,876 average annual salary of a helicopter mechanic.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a helicopter mechanic are hand tools, safety procedures, and FAA.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $61,876 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $29.75 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 33,954 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A fixed-wing pilot specializes in operating aircraft, ensuring efficiency and safety. Among their responsibilities include monitoring the aircraft's fuel and systems, conducting safety checks before and after flights, maintaining documents, and coordinating with airports and air traffic controls. There are also instances where they must attend conferences, greet passengers, and provide private flights. Furthermore, like a fixed-wing pilot, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff.
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
Fixed wing pilots and helicopter mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $61,876 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $44,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Hollister, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | Alaska |
| Best paying company | - | Apple |
| Best paying industry | - | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and a helicopter mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and helicopter mechanics' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average age | 44 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| Race ratio | 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% | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 2% |