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The differences between structures mechanics and aircraft 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 structures mechanic and an aircraft engine mechanic. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, which is higher than the $56,092 average annual salary of an aircraft engine mechanic.
The top three skills for a structures mechanic include safety regulations, jigs and ladders. The most important skills for an aircraft engine mechanic are troubleshoot, hand tools, and security clearance.
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $61,579 | $56,092 |
| Hourly rate | $29.61 | $26.97 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 38,406 | 37,033 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| 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.
The Aircraft Engine Mechanic maintains the serviceability of all aircraft under the mechanic's care. They use manuals, blueprints and run diagnostics on aircraft engines. The mechanic tasks are to conduct repairs and maintenance and provide suggestions and recommendations for upgrades. Aircraft Engine Mechanics are crucial for any aviation company, as every part of the aircraft's engine should be in working order before the flight. The mechanic will also inspect the plane if its engine is still within the engine regulations.
Structures mechanics and aircraft engine mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $61,579 | $56,092 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $84,000 | Between $36,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Newark, NJ |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | New Jersey |
| Best paying company | Aviation Technology Group | General Electric |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Government |
There are a few differences between a structures mechanic and an aircraft engine mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | Associate Degree, 41% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between structures mechanics' and aircraft engine mechanics' demographics:
| Structures Mechanic | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% | Male, 87.9% Female, 12.1% |
| 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, 9.8% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 22.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 54.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |