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The differences between line mechanics and aircraft mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 1-2 years to become a line mechanic, becoming an aircraft mechanic takes usually requires 2-4 years. Additionally, an aircraft mechanic has an average salary of $60,496, which is higher than the $46,851 average annual salary of a line mechanic.
The top three skills for a line mechanic include preventative maintenance, ladders and safety regulations. The most important skills for an aircraft mechanic are hand tools, airframe, and FAA.
| Line Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $46,851 | $60,496 |
| Hourly rate | $22.52 | $29.08 |
| Growth rate | 14% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 81,088 | 35,667 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 2 | 4 |
A line mechanic specializes in installing and maintaining a variety of mechanical and electrical equipment. Their responsibilities typically include conducting inspections, troubleshooting problems, replacing parts, and performing necessary repairs. There are instances where they must install and repair cables, climb poles, and fix control lines. They may also perform regular maintenance checks to ensure the quality of equipment. Furthermore, a line mechanic must maintain an active communication line with staff, coordinating for a safe and efficient workflow.
An aircraft mechanic is responsible for regularly checking and maintaining aircraft systems to ensure its safety and stability during operations. Aircraft mechanics should have extensive knowledge of troubleshooting and detecting system malfunctions. They are also required to adhere strictly with the standard protocols and regulations of the company, guaranteeing smooth procedures and efficient solutions. Aircraft mechanics must possess excellent decision-making and critical-thinking skills to perform diagnosis and inspection under minimal supervision. An aircraft mechanic should be able to utilize aviation tools and equipment, document resources, and report findings for safety concerns.
Line mechanics and aircraft mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Line Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $46,851 | $60,496 |
| Salary range | Between $36,000 And $59,000 | Between $41,000 And $87,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fall River, MA | Newport News, VA |
| Highest paying state | Maine | Maryland |
| Best paying company | Novartis | AECOM |
| Best paying industry | Utilities | Government |
There are a few differences between a line mechanic and an aircraft mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Line Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 35% | Associate Degree, 38% |
| Most common major | Automotive Technology | Aviation |
| Most common college | - | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between line mechanics' and aircraft mechanics' demographics:
| Line Mechanic | Aircraft Mechanic | |
| Average age | 48 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 94.1% Female, 5.9% | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 7.7% Unknown, 4.2% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 3.3% White, 66.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.9% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.6% White, 54.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |