Flight test mechanic vs aircraft fueler

The differences between flight test mechanics and aircraft fuelers can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a flight test mechanic and an aircraft fueler. Additionally, a flight test mechanic has an average salary of $59,974, which is higher than the $34,395 average annual salary of an aircraft fueler.

The top three skills for a flight test mechanic include electrical systems, ground support equipment and aircraft structures. The most important skills for an aircraft fueler are basic math, commercial vehicles, and aircraft weight.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft fueler overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Yearly salary	$59,974	$34,395
Hourly rate	$28.83	$16.54
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	10,728
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 48%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft fueler salary

Flight test mechanics and aircraft fuelers have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Average salary	$59,974	$34,395
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $25,000 And $45,000
Highest paying City	-	North Las Vegas, NV
Highest paying state	-	Nevada
Best paying company	-	FlightSafety International
Best paying industry	-	Transportation

Differences between flight test mechanic and aircraft fueler education

There are a few differences between a flight test mechanic and an aircraft fueler in terms of educational background:

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 48%
Most common major	Aviation	Business
Most common college	Purdue University	Stanford University

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft fueler demographics

Here are the differences between flight test mechanics' and aircraft fuelers' demographics:

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Fueler
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 94.3% Female, 5.7%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 10.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.6% Asian, 5.8% White, 56.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%	Black or African American, 9.2% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.6% Asian, 6.8% White, 54.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between flight test mechanic and aircraft fueler duties and responsibilities

Flight test mechanic example responsibilities.

Work with FAA personnel inspecting aircraft upon arrival to airfield.
Inspect complete work to certify that maintenance meets FAA standards and that aircraft are ready for operation.
Work in there fleet department repairing and diagnosis on all emergency apparatuses and ambulances and police vehicles also include maintenance schedules.
Receive and implement combat orders and direct deployment of personnel in offensive, defensive operations.

Aircraft fueler example responsibilities.

Sound knowledge of aircraft safety rules and regulations as well as the FAA's standard guidelines.
Train with accuracy and precision in military combat training, firearms training and safety, and fuel handling.
Operate all aircraft fueling operations per FAA requirements and make sure aircraft have right amount a fuel for each flight.
Experience in removal and application of aerospace coatings.
Train incoming personnel on local military and firefighting standards.
Operate firefighting vehicles and equipment during emergencies and training operations.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft fueler skills

Common flight test mechanic skills

Electrical Systems, 18%
Ground Support Equipment, 17%
Aircraft Structures, 7%
Hydraulic Systems, 5%
Aircraft Systems, 4%
Flight Control, 3%

Common aircraft fueler skills

Basic Math, 43%
Commercial Vehicles, 15%
Aircraft Weight, 11%
Safety Procedures, 7%
Quality Control Checks, 7%
FAA, 3%

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Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Aircraft Fueler

Updated January 8, 2025

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