Helicopter mechanic vs jet engine mechanic

The differences between helicopter mechanics and jet 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 a jet engine mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $61,098 average annual salary of a jet engine mechanic.

The top three skills for a helicopter mechanic include hand tools, safety procedures and FAA. The most important skills for a jet engine mechanic are test equipment, test stands, and aircraft engines.

Helicopter mechanic vs jet engine mechanic overview

	Helicopter Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Yearly salary	$61,876	$61,098
Hourly rate	$29.75	$29.37
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	33,954	36,953
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Average age	40	40
Years of experience	4	4

Helicopter mechanic vs jet engine mechanic salary

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

	Helicopter Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average salary	$61,876	$61,098
Salary range	Between $44,000 And $86,000	Between $46,000 And $80,000
Highest paying City	Hollister, CA	-
Highest paying state	Alaska	-
Best paying company	Apple	-
Best paying industry	Manufacturing	-

Differences between helicopter mechanic and jet engine mechanic education

There are a few differences between a helicopter mechanic and a jet engine mechanic in terms of educational background:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Most common degree	High School Diploma, 37%	Associate Degree, 34%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Purdue University	SUNY Farmingdale

Helicopter mechanic vs jet engine mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between helicopter mechanics' and jet engine mechanics' demographics:

	Helicopter Mechanic	Jet Engine Mechanic
Average age	40	40
Gender ratio	Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0%	Male, 88.1% Female, 11.9%
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, 10.5% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.7% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage	2%	2%

Differences between helicopter mechanic and jet engine 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.

Jet engine mechanic example responsibilities.

Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
Complete course in mechanical diagnosis and repair techniques.
Flight line work include engine changes, removal and installation of engine parts, and APU parts and unit.
Communicate to customers the diagnosis and repair estimates.
Perform engine run operation on install and uninstal engines, troubleshoot malfunctions or verify findings.
Remove, inspect and repair gearboxes and all gearbox mount components.

Helicopter mechanic vs jet engine mechanic skills

Common helicopter mechanic skills

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

Common jet engine mechanic skills

Test Equipment, 18%
Test Stands, 12%
Aircraft Engines, 7%
Aerospace, 5%
Maintenance Manuals, 3%
Maintenance Practices, 3%

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Installation, Maintenance and Repair Industry
Helicopter Mechanic
Helicopter Mechanic vs Jet Engine Mechanic

Updated January 8, 2025

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