As reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Aerospace Engineers earn an average of $122,970 per year, while Aircraft Mechanics earn an average of $69,470 per year. Therefore, the salary for Aerospace Engineers is much higher than that of Aircraft Mechanics.
Nevertheless, it's worth mentioning that factors such as location, experience, and the specific workplace can affect salary. For example, Aerospace Engineers in Nebraska may have higher earnings (averaging $149,860 per annum) compared to those in Idaho ($66,170). As another example, the average pay of Aircraft Mechanics in Maryland is 55% higher compared to those in Nebraska.
Aerospace Engineers vs Aircraft Mechanics overview
Aerospace Engineers and Aircraft Mechanics are two important occupations in the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry. Many people are interested in understanding the distinctions between these occupations, including the average salary for each of them.
Aerospace Engineer job description
Aerospace Engineers perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Aerospace Engineer education and experience
Most Aerospace Engineers (59%) have completed a Bachelor's Degree. But this field also includes some employees who have a Master's Degree (33%) and an Associate's Degree (8%). With regard to experience, about a third of Aerospace Engineer occupations require a 2 to 4 years of previous work-related experience. A smaller number of roles (20%) require a previous experience of 4 to 6 years.
Aerospace Engineer average salary
According to data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Aerospace Engineers employed by the United States in 2021 was 56,640, and they earned an average annual income of $122,970. The bottom 10 percent had a salary of $77,440 or less, and the top 10 percent had a salary of $168,370 or more. The average salary has increased by 1.5% in comparison to the previous year.
Do Aerospace Engineers make good money?
Aerospace Engineers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 111% above the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Moreover, they make 92% more than the mean earnings of the Transportation Equipment Manufacturing industry ($64,210).
Aerospace Engineers are typically paid well, since their mean salary is 111% above the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Aerospace Engineers job growth
The hiring of Aerospace Engineers has decreased in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 3,990 less positions than the previous year across the nation, and that marks a decrease of 6.6%. Over the past 3 years, job growth has averaged -3.9%.
Aircraft Mechanic job description
Alternative names: Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Aircraft Mechanics diagnose, adjust, repair, or overhaul aircraft engines and assemblies, such as hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
Aircraft Mechanic education and experience
The majority of Aircraft Mechanics (60%) have obtained a Post-Secondary Certificate. However this occupation also includes some employees who have an Associate's Degree (25%) and a High School Diploma (12%). In terms of experience, about a third of Aircraft Mechanic jobs require a 2 to 4 years of experience in the field. A smaller percentage of jobs (25%) require a previous experience of 6 months to 1 year.
Aircraft Mechanic average salary
The US Bureau of Labor Statistics has reported that in 2021, there were 125,440 Aircraft Mechanics working in the United States, and on average, they earned $69,470 per year. The bottom 10 percent earned $38,270 or less, and the top 10 percent earned $98,590 or more. Compared to the previous year, the average salary has increased by 0.6%.
Do Aircraft Mechanics make good money?
Aircraft Mechanics usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 19% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260). Additionally, they earn 23% more than the average wage of the Support Activities for Transportation industry ($56,670).
Aircraft Mechanics usually receive good salaries, as their average salary is 19% higher than the average wage in the United States ($58,260).
Aircraft Mechanics job growth
The employment rate for Aircraft Mechanics has fallen in the last two years. In 2021, there have been 2,860 less positions than the previous year nationwide, which marks a decrease of 2.2%. The average job growth over the past 3 years has been -1.6%.
FAQ
Do Aerospace Engineers or Aircraft Mechanics make more?
Aerospace Engineers make 77% more than Aircraft Mechanics. The average annual salary for Aircraft Mechanics is $69,470, while Aerospace Engineers earn $122,970 per year.
How long does it take to become an Aerospace Engineer vs Aircraft Mechanic?
Aerospace Engineers typically need a Bachelor's Degree. A Bachelor's Degree usually takes around 4 years to obtain. On the other hand, Aircraft Mechanics typically need a Post-Secondary Certificate. A Post-Secondary Certificate usually takes between 1 year and 2 years to obtain.
Is it harder to become an Aerospace Engineer vs Aircraft Mechanic?
Becoming an Aerospace Engineer is much more difficult than becoming an Aircraft Mechanic, since it takes 2 more years of education.