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The differences between structures mechanics and mechanics can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a structures mechanic, becoming a mechanic takes usually requires 1-2 years. Additionally, a structures mechanic has an average salary of $61,579, which is higher than the $47,149 average annual salary of a mechanic.
The top three skills for a structures mechanic include safety regulations, jigs and ladders. The most important skills for a mechanic are hand tools, preventive maintenance, and customer service.
| Structures Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Yearly salary | $61,579 | $47,149 |
| Hourly rate | $29.61 | $22.67 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 4% |
| Number of jobs | 38,406 | 100,534 |
| Job satisfaction | 5 | 4.25 |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 2 |
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.
Mechanics are professionals responsible for assembling, maintaining, and repairing vehicles and types of machinery. They are knowledgeable of various tools and equipment, machinery, electrical systems, and other components. They can usually be seen indoors, garages in particular. Due to the advancement of technology, they are also required to be familiar with computer and software programs that can be used in auto shops and vehicles. They always work in safety precautions.
Structures mechanics and mechanics have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Structures Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average salary | $61,579 | $47,149 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $84,000 | Between $35,000 And $63,000 |
| Highest paying City | Fairbanks, AK | San Jose, CA |
| Highest paying state | Alaska | Connecticut |
| Best paying company | Aviation Technology Group | Anheuser-Busch |
| Best paying industry | Manufacturing | Manufacturing |
There are a few differences between a structures mechanic and a mechanic in terms of educational background:
| Structures Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Most common degree | Associate Degree, 36% | High School Diploma, 42% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Automotive Technology |
| Most common college | Purdue University | - |
Here are the differences between structures mechanics' and mechanics' demographics:
| Structures Mechanic | Mechanic | |
| Average age | 40 | 42 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 92.3% Female, 7.7% | Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3% |
| 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, 8.5% Unknown, 5.0% Hispanic or Latino, 17.1% Asian, 2.4% White, 65.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 1.1% |
| LGBT Percentage | 2% | 2% |