Flight test supervisor vs lead mechanic

The differences between flight test supervisors and lead 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 lead mechanic. Additionally, a flight test supervisor has an average salary of $76,547, which is higher than the $54,471 average annual salary of a lead mechanic.

The top three skills for a flight test supervisor include safety procedures, FAA and flight operations. The most important skills for a lead mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and HVAC.

Flight test supervisor vs lead mechanic overview

	Flight Test Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Yearly salary	$76,547	$54,471
Hourly rate	$36.80	$26.19
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	26,742	86,668
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Associate Degree, 31%
Average age	49	49
Years of experience	4	4

Flight test supervisor vs lead mechanic salary

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average salary	$76,547	$54,471
Salary range	Between $47,000 And $122,000	Between $40,000 And $73,000
Highest paying City	-	Anchorage, AK
Highest paying state	-	Alaska
Best paying company	-	California Resources
Best paying industry	-	Manufacturing

Differences between flight test supervisor and lead mechanic education

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 50%	Associate Degree, 31%
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 lead mechanic demographics

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

	Flight Test Supervisor	Lead Mechanic
Average age	49	49
Gender ratio	Male, 68.4% Female, 31.6%	Male, 96.8% Female, 3.2%
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, 8.3% Unknown, 4.5% Hispanic or Latino, 15.8% Asian, 2.1% White, 68.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.2%
LGBT Percentage	4%	4%

Differences between flight test supervisor and lead 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.

Lead mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage the repairs of electrical and mechanical components, such as power assemblies and traction motors.
Manage routine maintenance and modifications for locomotives as well as preventative maintenance for freight cars.
Complete restoration of antique motorcycles, extensive engine repair, payroll, quarterly reports, parts sales and database inventory.
Assemble and repair motor scooters.
Perform conventional welding, MIG, TIG, OxyAcet.
Ensure quality repairs are made while meeting stringent FRA guidelines.

Flight test supervisor vs lead mechanic skills

Common flight test supervisor skills

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

Common lead mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Preventive Maintenance, 8%
HVAC, 6%
Electrical Systems, 4%
Mechanical Equipment, 4%
Hydraulic Systems, 4%

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Flight Test Supervisor
Flight Test Supervisor vs Lead Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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