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Structures mechanic vs aviation mechanic

The differences between structures mechanics and aviation 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 aviation mechanic. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, which is higher than the $54,534 average annual salary of an aviation mechanic.

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

Structures mechanic vs aviation mechanic overview

Structures MechanicAviation Mechanic
Yearly salary$61,579$54,534
Hourly rate$29.61$26.22
Growth rate6%6%
Number of jobs38,40635,647
Job satisfaction5-
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 32%
Average age4040
Years of experience44

Structures mechanic vs aviation mechanic salary

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

Structures MechanicAviation Mechanic
Average salary$61,579$54,534
Salary rangeBetween $45,000 And $84,000Between $34,000 And $85,000
Highest paying CityFairbanks, AK-
Highest paying stateAlaska-
Best paying companyAviation Technology Group-
Best paying industryManufacturing-

Differences between structures mechanic and aviation mechanic education

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

Structures MechanicAviation Mechanic
Most common degreeAssociate Degree, 36%High School Diploma, 32%
Most common majorAviationAviation
Most common collegePurdue UniversitySUNY Farmingdale

Structures mechanic vs aviation mechanic demographics

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

Structures MechanicAviation Mechanic
Average age4040
Gender ratioMale, 92.3% Female, 7.7%Male, 90.7% Female, 9.3%
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, 9.0% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 23.2% Asian, 6.7% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage2%2%

Differences between structures mechanic and aviation 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

Aviation mechanic example responsibilities.

  • Perform installation, analysis, repair and troubleshooting of integrate avionics systems and aircraft electrical / mechanical systems.
  • Provide support functions for assign internal and external QA audits and reviews.
  • Repair aircraft wings, horizontal/vertical stabilizers, and aircraft panels.
  • Remove and replace ailerons, stabilizers, aileron servos and stabilizer servos.
  • Perform organizational maintenance on anti-submarine/Utility helicopters.

Structures mechanic vs aviation mechanic skills

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

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