Flight test mechanic vs helicopter mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics 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 flight test mechanic and a helicopter mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, 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 a helicopter mechanic are hand tools, safety procedures, and FAA.

Flight test mechanic vs helicopter mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Helicopter Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$61,876
Hourly rate	$28.83	$29.75
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	33,954
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs helicopter mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Helicopter Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$61,876
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $44,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City	-	Hollister, CA
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Apple
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between flight test mechanic and helicopter mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Helicopter Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Flight test mechanic vs helicopter mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Helicopter Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%
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, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between flight test mechanic and helicopter 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.

Helicopter mechanic example responsibilities.

Used drills, countersinks, deburr tools, and wedge lock guns.
Test, troubleshoot and repair advance aircraft hydraulic systems.
Complete all repairs and maintenance work to company and FAA standards.
Document logs to ensure company compliance of OSHA standards and employee safety.
Inspect completed work to certify that it meet FAA standards and that assets are functional.
Confer with inspectors, OSHA, EPA, and engineering firms on all construction/code relate issues/developments.

Flight test mechanic vs helicopter 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 helicopter mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
FAA, 6%
Maintenance Manuals, 5%
Helicopter Maintenance, 5%
Landing Gear, 4%

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Flight Test Mechanic vs Helicopter Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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