Flight test mechanic vs aircraft mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics and aircraft 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 flight test mechanic and an aircraft mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $59,974 average annual salary of a flight test mechanic.

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 mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$60,496
Hourly rate	$28.83	$29.08
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	35,667
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 38%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$60,496
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $41,000 And $87,000
Highest paying City	-	Newport News, VA
Highest paying state	-	Maryland
Best paying company	-	AECOM
Best paying industry	-	Government

Differences between flight test mechanic and aircraft mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 38%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9%
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, 9.7% 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%

Differences between flight test mechanic and aircraft mechanic 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 mechanic example responsibilities.

Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Perform scheduled maintenance tasks in accordance with manufacturer and FAA guidelines.
Conduce problem analysis, correction/repairs and operational checks of aircraft avionics, electrical, propulsion and hydraulic systems.
Train in OSHA and HAZMAT.
Change cables and pulleys command.
Obtain and continue MSHA training.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft mechanic 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 mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 11%
Airframe, 6%
FAA, 5%
Aircraft Systems, 5%
Landing Gear, 5%
Technical Data, 4%

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Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Aircraft Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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