Ground operations supervisor vs head mechanic

The differences between ground operations supervisors and head mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a ground operations supervisor, becoming a head mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, a head mechanic has an average salary of $116,841, which is higher than the $54,777 average annual salary of a ground operations supervisor.

The top three skills for a ground operations supervisor include safety procedures, customer service and baggage system. The most important skills for a head mechanic are preventive maintenance, R, and air compressors.

Ground operations supervisor vs head mechanic overview

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Yearly salary	$54,777	$116,841
Hourly rate	$26.34	$56.17
Growth rate	6%	4%
Number of jobs	58,443	42,612
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	High School Diploma, 37%
Average age	44	49
Years of experience	2	4

Ground operations supervisor vs head mechanic salary

Ground operations supervisors and head mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average salary	$54,777	$116,841
Salary range	Between $39,000 And $76,000	Between $86,000 And $158,000
Highest paying City	-	-
Highest paying state	-	-
Best paying company	-	-
Best paying industry	-	-

Differences between ground operations supervisor and head mechanic education

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

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 36%	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

Ground operations supervisor vs head mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between ground operations supervisors' and head mechanics' demographics:

	Ground Operations Supervisor	Head Mechanic
Average age	44	49
Gender ratio	Male, 85.9% Female, 14.1%	Male, 97.2% Female, 2.8%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 11.2% Unknown, 4.7% Hispanic or Latino, 25.4% Asian, 5.1% White, 52.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9%	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	8%	4%

Differences between ground operations supervisor and head mechanic duties and responsibilities

Ground operations supervisor example responsibilities.

Design and manage the construction of the maintenance facility, septic, HVAC, and electrical.
Manage logistics operations relate to strategic military contingency maneuvers.
Direct contact with A/E's and sales managers.
Full operation of all analog and digital video equipment.
Supervise all grind personnel training as regulated by the FAA.
Attend monthly airport meetings with other airline management and TSA.

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 .).

Ground operations supervisor vs head mechanic skills

Common ground operations supervisor skills

Safety Procedures, 27%
Customer Service, 17%
Baggage System, 10%
Aircraft Cargo, 6%
Aircraft Cabin, 5%
FAA, 4%

Common head mechanic skills

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

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Ground Operations Supervisor
Ground Operations Supervisor vs Head Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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