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The differences between helicopter mechanics and aircraft engine 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 helicopter mechanic and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $56,092 average annual salary of an aircraft engine mechanic.
The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $61,876 | $56,092 |
| Hourly rate | $29.75 | $26.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 33,954 | 37,033 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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.
The Aircraft Engine Mechanic maintains the serviceability of all aircraft under the mechanic's care. They use manuals, blueprints and run diagnostics on aircraft engines. The mechanic tasks are to conduct repairs and maintenance and provide suggestions and recommendations for upgrades. Aircraft Engine Mechanics are crucial for any aviation company, as every part of the aircraft's engine should be in working order before the flight. The mechanic will also inspect the plane if its engine is still within the engine regulations.
Helicopter mechanics and aircraft engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $61,876 | $56,092 |
| Salary range | Between $44,000 And $86,000 | Between $36,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Hollister, CA | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Apple | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft engine mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | High School Diploma, 37% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and aircraft engine mechanics' demographics:
| Helicopter Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |