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Structures mechanic vs airframe mechanic

The differences between structures mechanics and airframe 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 airframe mechanic. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, which is higher than the $60,976 average annual salary of an airframe mechanic.

The top three skills for a structures mechanic include safety regulations, jigs and ladders. The most important skills for an airframe mechanic are landing gear, safety procedures, and hand tools.

Structures mechanic vs airframe mechanic overview

Structures MechanicAirframe Mechanic
Yearly salary$61,579$60,976
Hourly rate$29.61$29.32
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs38,40634,067
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 41%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Structures mechanic vs airframe mechanic salary

Structures mechanics and airframe mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.

Structures MechanicAirframe Mechanic
Average salary$61,579$60,976
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $84,000Between $43,000 And $86,000
Highest paying CityFairbanks, AK-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyAviation Technology Group-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between structures mechanic and airframe mechanic education

There are a few differences between a structures mechanic and an airframe mechanic in terms of educational background:

Structures MechanicAirframe Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 41%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegePurdue UniversityPurdue University

Structures mechanic vs airframe mechanic demographics

Here are the differences between structures mechanics' and airframe mechanics' demographics:

Structures MechanicAirframe Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 92.3% Female, 7.7%Male, 94.6% Female, 5.4%
Race ratioBlack 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, 11.0% Unknown, 5.2% Hispanic or Latino, 21.0% Asian, 5.3% White, 56.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between structures mechanic and airframe mechanic duties and responsibilities

Structures mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Effect honeycomb and composite repairs on regional aircraft nose cones per manufacturer SRM and AMM.
  • Operate air tools, rivet guns, sanders, angle grinders, and other miscellaneous tools require.
  • Work with materials such as graphite, fiberglass and corefil.
  • Move locomotives and equipment throughout yard and into maintenance areas.
  • Perform all facets of structural repair and maintenance on F/A-18 aircraft.
  • Work with Polysulfide and epoxy bonds, adhesives, and sealants.
  • Show more

Airframe mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Utilize and reference additional supporting documentation including FAA approve engineering data/drawings, supporting company policies/procedures and supervisory instructions.
  • Line maintenance on ATR-42s and Embraer Brazilias.
  • Design and implement tracking checklist for each helicopter to track progress of each modification installation.

Structures mechanic vs airframe mechanic skills

Common structures mechanic skills
  • Safety Regulations, 11%
  • Jigs, 9%
  • Ladders, 8%
  • Math, 7%
  • Structural Repairs, 6%
  • Operation Sheets, 6%
Common airframe mechanic skills
  • Landing Gear, 9%
  • Safety Procedures, 8%
  • Hand Tools, 8%
  • Structural Repairs, 8%
  • Maintenance Tasks, 4%
  • Maintenance Manuals, 4%

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