Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic

The differences between helicopter mechanics and aircraft structure 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 structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $61,876 average annual salary of a helicopter mechanic.

The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for an aircraft structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic overview

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Yearly salary	$61,876	$62,809
Hourly rate	$29.75	$30.20
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	33,954	36,380
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 37%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

What does a helicopter mechanic do?

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.

What does an aircraft structure mechanic do?

Aircraft structure mechanics are skilled professionals who are responsible for maintaining and repairing aircraft components and airframe structural supports. These mechanics are required to use hand tools and testing equipment to perform repairs and troubleshoot aircraft components. They must conduct inspections and troubleshooting of aircraft systems and related aviation equipment to isolate faults and determine the required repairs or replacements. Aircraft structure mechanics must also interpret maintenance manuals so that they can determine the feasibility and method of repairing malfunctioning components.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic salary

Helicopter mechanics and aircraft structure mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Average salary	$61,876	$62,809
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $86,000	Between $46,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City	Hollister, CA	Lakewood, WA
Highest paying state	Alaska	Alaska
Best paying company	Apple	Erickson
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	Manufacturing

Differences between helicopter mechanic and aircraft structure mechanic education

There are a few differences between a helicopter mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 37%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and aircraft structure mechanics' demographics:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Aircraft Structure Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%	Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between helicopter mechanic and aircraft structure mechanic duties and responsibilities

Helicopter mechanic example responsibilities.

Used drills, countersinks, deburr tools, and wedge lock guns.
Test, troubleshoot and repair advance aircraft hydraulic systems.
Complete all repairs and maintenance work to company and FAA standards.
Document logs to ensure company compliance of OSHA standards and employee safety.
Inspect completed work to certify that it meet FAA standards and that assets are functional.
Confer with inspectors, OSHA, EPA, and engineering firms on all construction/code relate issues/developments.

Aircraft structure mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage QA programs to include aircraft turn-up and monitoring and FOD prevention
Work from SRM, TRM, AMM, EO and various other aircraft documentation to accomplish repair objectives.
Work as an aircraft mechanic in the USAF.
Act as liaison between USAF shop personnel and company management.
Follow appropriate safety instructions, such as requirements by OSHA.
Drill precision holes using drill bushings, core drills, reamers.

Helicopter mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic skills

Common helicopter mechanic skills

Hand Tools, 9%
Safety Procedures, 9%
FAA, 6%
Maintenance Manuals, 5%
Helicopter Maintenance, 5%
Landing Gear, 4%

Common aircraft structure mechanic skills

Calipers, 23%
Jigs, 21%
Stabilizers, 9%
Hand Tools, 6%
Engineering Drawings, 3%
Airframe, 3%

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Helicopter Mechanic
Helicopter Mechanic vs Aircraft Structure Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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