Flight test mechanic vs mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a flight test mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a flight test mechanic has an average salary of $59,974, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a 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 mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.

Flight test mechanic vs mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$47,149
Hourly rate	$28.83	$22.67
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	52,936	100,534
Job satisfaction	-	4.25
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Average age	40	42
Years of experience	4	2

Flight test mechanic vs mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$47,149
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $35,000 And $63,000
Highest paying City	-	San Jose, CA
Highest paying state	-	Connecticut
Best paying company	-	Anheuser-Busch
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between flight test mechanic and mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	High School Diploma, 42%
Most common major	Aviation	Automotive Technology
Most common college	Purdue University	-

Flight test mechanic vs mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Mechanic
Average age	40	42
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between flight test mechanic and 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.

Mechanic example responsibilities.

Dismantle and re-assemble equipment, using hoists and hand tools, such as transfer cases, hydraulic cylinders, bell housings.
Identify issues with wire feeder and power source, break press, overhead cranes , 2 ton to 25 ton hoists.
chain saws, trimmers, tractors, push mowers, blowers, generators, cut saws, power washers, etc.
Work with networking, plumbing, troubleshooting electrical and performing mechanical repairs.
Monitor HVAC systems and operations, and ensure that routine preventive maintenance are performed according to establish schedules.
Complete repair of low-boy style trailers, and tractors with wet line PTO systems.

Flight test mechanic vs 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 mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
Customer Service, 7%
Customer Vehicles, 7%
Diagnosis, 6%
Electrical Systems, 5%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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