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The differences between structures mechanics and helicopter 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 a helicopter mechanic. Additionally, a helicopter mechanic has an average salary of $61,876, which is higher than the $61,579 average annual salary of a structures mechanic.
The top three skills for a structures mechanic include safety regulations, jigs and ladders. The most important skills for a helicopter mechanic are hand tools, safety procedures, and FAA.
| Structures Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $61,579 | $61,876 |
| Hourly rate | $29.61 | $29.75 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 38,406 | 33,954 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | - |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| 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.
A helicopter mechanic is tasked with making sure all a helicopter's parts are good and working well. They thoroughly inspect and ensure that the helicopter and other aircraft meet standard regulations and are fit for flight. A helicopter mechanic is well versed in mechanics and has excellent problem-solving and computer skills. They repair and maintain both civilian and military helicopters. They may work at airfields or runways.
Structures mechanics and helicopter mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structures Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $61,579 | $61,876 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $84,000 | Between $44,000 And $86,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | Hollister, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Alaska |
| Best paying company | Aviation Technology Group | Apple |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a structures mechanic and a helicopter mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Structures Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 37% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Purdue University | Purdue University |
Here are the differences between structures mechanics' and helicopter mechanics' demographics:
| Structures Mechanic | Helicopter Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 40 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% | Male, 93.0% Female, 7.0% |
| 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, 9.1% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 23.4% Asian, 6.3% White, 55.6% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |