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The differences between helicopter mechanics and aircraft electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft electrician. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $54,605 average annual salary of an aircraft electrician.
The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft electrician are electrical systems, hazardous materials, and diagnose malfunctions.
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,876 | $54,605 |
| Hourly rate | $29.75 | $26.25 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 33,954 | 19,166 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
Helicopter mechanics and aircraft electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average salary | $61,876 | $54,605 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $86,000 | Between $38,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hollister, CA | Edgewood, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Apple | Northrop Grumman |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft electrician in terms of educational background:
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and aircraft electricians' demographics:
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |