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Jet mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic

The differences between jet 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 jet mechanic and an aircraft structure mechanic. Additionally, an aircraft structure mechanic has an average salary of $62,809, which is higher than the $60,352 average annual salary of a jet mechanic.

The top three skills for a jet mechanic include FAA, hydraulic systems and fuel systems. The most important skills for an aircraft structure mechanic are calipers, jigs, and stabilizers.

Jet mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic overview

Jet MechanicAircraft Structure Mechanic
Yearly salary$60,352$62,809
Hourly rate$29.02$30.20
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs34,05936,380
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 37%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Jet mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic salary

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

Jet MechanicAircraft Structure Mechanic
Average salary$60,352$62,809
Salary rangeBetween $43,000 And $84,000Between $46,000 And $85,000
Highest paying City-Lakewood, WA
Highest paying state-Alaska
Best paying company-Erickson
Best paying industry-Manufacturing

Differences between jet mechanic and aircraft structure mechanic education

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

Jet MechanicAircraft Structure Mechanic
Most common degreeHigh School Diploma, 41%Associate Degree, 37%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegeStanford UniversityPurdue University

Jet mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic demographics

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

Jet MechanicAircraft Structure Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 92.7% Female, 7.3%Male, 91.7% Female, 8.3%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.8% Unknown, 4.9% Hispanic or Latino, 18.4% Asian, 7.1% White, 58.2% 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 Percentage2%2%

Differences between jet mechanic and aircraft structure mechanic duties and responsibilities

Jet mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Manage aerospace propulsion functions and activities.
  • Perform installation, analysis, repair and troubleshooting of integrate avionics systems and aircraft electrical / mechanical systems.
  • Perform complete disassembly and assembly of the T56-A-14 engine's power section, propeller reduction gearbox, and accessories

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.
  • Show more

Jet mechanic vs aircraft structure mechanic skills

Common jet mechanic skills
  • FAA, 13%
  • Hydraulic Systems, 12%
  • Fuel Systems, 11%
  • Airframe, 11%
  • Technical Manuals, 10%
  • Aircraft Engines, 8%
Common aircraft structure mechanic skills
  • Calipers, 23%
  • Jigs, 21%
  • Stabilizers, 9%
  • Hand Tools, 6%
  • Engineering Drawings, 3%
  • Airframe, 3%

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