Flight test mechanic vs jet engine mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics and jet engine 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 jet engine mechanic. Additionally, a jet engine mechanic has an average salary of $61,098, 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 jet engine mechanic are test equipment, test stands, and aircraft engines.

Flight test mechanic vs jet engine mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$61,098
Hourly rate	$28.83	$29.37
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	36,953
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs jet engine mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$61,098
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $46,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between flight test mechanic and jet engine mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	SUNY Farmingdale

Flight test mechanic vs jet engine mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between flight test mechanic and jet engine 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.

Jet engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
Complete course in mechanical diagnosis and repair techniques.
Flight line work include engine changes, removal and installation of engine parts, and APU parts and unit.
Communicate to customers the diagnosis and repair estimates.
Perform engine run operation on install and uninstal engines, troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
Remove, inspect and repair gearboxes and all gearbox mount components.

Flight test mechanic vs jet engine 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 jet engine mechanic skills

Test Equipment, 18%
Test Stands, 12%
Aircraft Engines, 7%
Aerospace, 5%
Maintenance Manuals, 3%
Maintenance Practices, 3%

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Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Jet Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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