Flight test mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics and aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, 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 structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$62,809
Hourly rate	$28.83	$30.20
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	36,380
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 37%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$62,809
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $46,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City	-	Lakewood, WA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Erickson
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between flight test mechanic and aircraft structure mechanic education

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

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

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

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

Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Work as an aircraft mechanic in the USAF.
Act as liaison between USAF shop personnel and company management.
Follow appropriate safety instructions, such as requirements by OSHA.
Drill precision holes using drill bushings, core drills, reamers.

Flight test mechanic vs aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic skills

Calipers, 23%
Jigs, 21%
Stabilizers, 9%
Hand Tools, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 3%
Airframe, 3%

Flight Test Mechanic vs. similar jobs

Flight Test Mechanic related careers

Flight Test Mechanic related jobs

What similar roles do

Zippia Careers
Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Aircraft Structure Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

Browse installation, maintenance and repair jobs