Flight test mechanic vs structures mechanic

The differences between flight test mechanics and structures 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 structures mechanic. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, 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 structures mechanic are safety regulations, jigs, and ladders.

Flight test mechanic vs structures mechanic overview

	Flight Test Mechanic	Structures Mechanic
Yearly salary	$59,974	$61,579
Hourly rate	$28.83	$29.61
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	52,936	38,406
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 36%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test mechanic vs structures mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Structures Mechanic
Average salary	$59,974	$61,579
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $80,000	Between $45,000 And $84,000
Highest paying City	-	Fairbanks, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	Aviation Technology Group
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between flight test mechanic and structures mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Structures Mechanic
Most common degree	Associate Degree, 37%	Associate Degree, 36%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Flight test mechanic vs structures mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Mechanic	Structures Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 95.8% Female, 4.2%	Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7%
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, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between flight test mechanic and structures 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.

Structures mechanic example responsibilities.

Effect honeycomb and composite repairs on regional aircraft nose cones per manufacturer SRM and AMM.
Operate air tools, rivet guns, sanders, angle grinders, and other miscellaneous tools require.
Work with materials such as graphite, fiberglass and corefil.
Move locomotives and equipment throughout yard and into maintenance areas.
Perform all facets of structural repair and maintenance on F/A-18 aircraft.
Work with Polysulfide and epoxy bonds, adhesives, and sealants.

Flight test mechanic vs structures 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 structures mechanic skills

Safety Regulations, 11%
Jigs, 9%
Ladders, 8%
Math, 7%
Structural Repairs, 6%
Operation Sheets, 6%

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Flight Test Mechanic
Flight Test Mechanic vs Structures Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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