Helicopter mechanic vs airframe mechanic

The differences between helicopter mechanics and airframe 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 airframe mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $60,976 average annual salary of an airframe mechanic.

The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for an airframe mechanic are landing gear, safety procedures, and hand tools.

Helicopter mechanic vs airframe mechanic overview

	Helicopter Mechanic	Airframe Mechanic
Yearly salary	$61,876	$60,976
Hourly rate	$29.75	$29.32
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	33,954	34,067
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 41%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Helicopter mechanic vs airframe mechanic salary

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

	Helicopter Mechanic	Airframe Mechanic
Average salary	$61,876	$60,976
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $86,000	Between $43,000 And $86,000
Highest paying City	Hollister, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Apple	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between helicopter mechanic and airframe mechanic education

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

	Helicopter Mechanic	Airframe Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	High School Diploma, 41%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	Purdue University

Helicopter mechanic vs airframe mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and airframe mechanics' demographics:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Airframe Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%	Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%
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, 11.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between helicopter mechanic and airframe 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.

Airframe mechanic example responsibilities.

Utilize and reference additional supporting documentation including FAA approve engineering data/drawings, supporting company policies/procedures and supervisory instructions.
Line maintenance on ATR-42s and Embraer Brazilias.
Design and implement tracking checklist for each helicopter to track progress of each modification installation.

Helicopter mechanic vs airframe mechanic skills

Common helicopter mechanic skills

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

Common airframe mechanic skills

Landing Gear, 9%
Safety Procedures, 8%
Hand Tools, 8%
Structural Repairs, 8%
Maintenance Tasks, 4%
Maintenance Manuals, 4%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Helicopter Mechanic
Helicopter Mechanic vs Airframe Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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