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The differences between structures mechanics and aircraft electricians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a structures mechanic and an aircraft electrician. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, which is higher than the $54,605 average annual salary of an aircraft electrician.
The top three skills for a structures mechanic include safety regulations, jigs and ladders. The most important skills for an aircraft electrician are electrical systems, hazardous materials, and diagnose malfunctions.
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Yearly salary | $61,579 | $54,605 |
| Hourly rate | $29.61 | $26.25 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 38,406 | 19,166 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A Structures Mechanic maintains the frame and structural components of machinery. They fabricate and repair metallic and nonmetallic materials, as well as perform inspections and supervision of machinery.
An aircraft electrician specializes in installing and repairing electrical systems in an aircraft, ensuring quality and efficiency. Their responsibilities typically include running diagnostic tests and examinations, troubleshooting problems, replacing and fixing components, understanding diagrams, and keeping records. There are also instances where they must solder wires, climb up high places, and perform regular maintenance checks. Moreover, an aircraft electrician typically works in a team setting, which requires an active communication line for an efficient and safe workflow.
Structures mechanics and aircraft electricians have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average salary | $61,579 | $54,605 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $84,000 | Between $38,000 And $77,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Edgewood, MD |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Aviation Technology Group | Northrop Grumman |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a structures mechanic and an aircraft electrician in terms of educational background:
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 36% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Electrical Engineering |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between structures mechanics' and aircraft electricians' demographics:
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Electrician | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% | Male, 92.0% Female, 8.0% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.3% Asian, 6.8% White, 55.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% | Black or African American, 9.7% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.7% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |