Flight test supervisor vs head mechanic

The differences between flight test supervisors and head 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 supervisor and a head mechanic. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $76,547 average annual salary of a flight test supervisor.

The top three skills for a flight test supervisor include safety procedures, FAA and flight operations. The most important skills for a head mechanic are preventive maintenance, R, and air compressors.

Flight test supervisor vs head mechanic overview

	Flight Test Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Yearly salary	$76,547	$116,841
Hourly rate	$36.80	$56.17
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	26,742	42,612
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test supervisor vs head mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average salary	$76,547	$116,841
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $122,000	Between $86,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between flight test supervisor and head mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	High School Diploma, 37%
Most common major	Business	Automotive Technology
Most common college	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Flight test supervisor vs head mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 68.4% Female, 31.6%	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.9% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%	Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 16.0% Asian, 2.1% White, 67.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between flight test supervisor and head mechanic duties and responsibilities

Flight test supervisor example responsibilities.

Manage intermediate-level maintenance on fighter aircraft release and gun systems.
Developed/Execute bilateral air component rear area security combat support policy, training directives, and programs target at reducing risks.
Develop annual and strategic corporate business plans that NASA headquarters approve for funding and implementation.

Head mechanic example responsibilities.

Maintain and manage shop for parts, supplies and priority in jobs and cleanliness.
Weld (Mig, arc, Oxy/Acet . )
Assist lead mechanics with diagnosis and repair of all units and systems.
Involve in all aspects of center maintenance from roof repairs and HVAC to lanes and pinspotters.
Perform plan maintenance and repairs on HVAC equipment to include boilers, large air handlers, and roof top units.
Perform any necessary repairs and diagnosis (electrical, hydraulics, engine, drivetrain, suspension, etc .).

Flight test supervisor vs head mechanic skills

Common flight test supervisor skills

Safety Procedures, 22%
FAA, 19%
Flight Operations, 15%
Aircraft Maintenance, 13%
In-Flight, 12%
TSA, 5%

Common head mechanic skills

Preventive Maintenance, 6%
R, 6%
Air Compressors, 5%
Diesel Engines, 5%
Brake Systems, 5%
DOT, 5%

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Flight Test Supervisor
Flight Test Supervisor vs Head Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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