If you’re considering a career as a mechanic, there are certainly a lot of choices to make.
Many people are attracted to aircraft mechanic jobs, whether for the higher pay or the prestige of working on glamorous aircraft.
But is it all that different from turning wrenches under a car’s hood?
In many ways, the two fields look a lot alike. But there are some important contrasts that you should be aware of when deciding if an aviation career is right for you.
Here’s a look at the similarities and differences between becoming an aircraft mechanic vs automotive mechanic.
Which Career Path Is Right For You?
Many experienced mechanics will be quick to point out that these two career paths are more similar than dissimilar.
Both jobs involve mechanical work: turning wrenches, taking stuff apart, and performing problem-solving and troubleshooting to find difficult track-down issues.
Both require some education, meaning you’ll need either trade school certifications or time working as an apprentice — although more training and certifications are required to work most aircraft mechanic jobs.
So, when sitting down and trying to figure out which one is right for you, it’s best to think about which one you are most passionate about.
Some people just love aviation — they love airplanes, and the idea of working on airplanes every day excites them.
If this is you, a career as an aircraft mechanic would be a good fit.
If, on the other hand, you just want to turn wrenches and get a paycheck, then either one might work.
Pay Differences
It’s generally true that aircraft mechanics make more money.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for an aircraft mechanic and service technician is $76,260, with starting wages around $22 per hour.
That is quite a bit more than the average salary reported for automotive service technicians, which is $47,770, with starting wages around $14 per hour.
Remember, these are average numbers, and the amount you make in either career path will be tied to the type of organization you work with and your certifications.
Also, aircraft mechanics’ wages are skewed high in favor of higher-paying jobs with the airlines, which may not be a lifestyle that suits you.
The numbers would be much closer if you could compare only the wages of A&Ps working for small airport shops.
This hints at a much broader theme that must be considered: the type of shop you work for.
Working Condition Differences
Car mechanics work for a wide range of businesses, from small rural service stations to major chains or car dealerships.
Many more are employed by fleet operators or businesses that own a lot of equipment.
Working conditions, hours, pay, and benefits vary widely across the spectrum of these businesses, and one might be a dream job while another could be a nightmare.
This same scenario plays out in aviation shops.
Mechanics may work independently for small airport FBOs (fixed-base operators), for larger MRO facilities (major repair and overhaul), or as airline employees.
They might work on anything from small single-engine Cessnas to the latest, biggest Boeing and Airbus airliners.
Jobs at small airports for small businesses are more likely to be lower paying and have less upward mobility.
At the same time, airline gigs may require many years of working graveyard shifts and holidays before you can pick your schedule — but the pay will be significantly better.
If you want to be a mechanic, it’s important to consider the final goal.
Where do you want to work, and what do you want your professional life to look like?
There are pros and cons to not only being an aircraft vs auto mechanic but also working for each type of business.
Similarities and Differences: Aircraft Mechanic vs Automotive Mechanic
Here’s a look at what’s similar and what’s not between the two career paths.
What’s the Same?
- Both careers require mechanical aptitude: You like taking things apart and putting them back together, and you’re usually successful.
- Both require reading and understanding technical and shop manuals.
- Both involve using specialized tools and repair techniques.
- Both offer a variety of specializations: general/diesel/hybrids/electrics; A&P vs avionics technicians vs helicopter mechanics.
- Both allow for different types of work environments: mom n’ pop shops vs dealerships; MRO vs airline jobs.
- Both paths require constantly refreshing your skills, learning new technologies, and getting new certifications to remain competitive.
What’s Different?
- Pay is often higher in aviation, and airline jobs come with great benefits.
- Working in aviation requires a higher level of care and precision to be exercised, as proper repairs and maintenance are critical to aviation safety.
- There are more opportunities for car mechanics out there (There are hundreds of shops to work at in every city, even the smallest towns, versus the few airports and aircraft mechanics jobs you can find).
- Be sure to check how long it takes to become an aircraft mechanic: More school or apprenticeship time is required to become an aircraft mechanic.
- Aircraft mechanics work only on the aircraft that they’ve been trained on, while auto mechanics often work on any make and model car.
- Aviation has a high level of government oversight from the FAA: More paperwork, stringent safety standards, more organized workflows, more oversight and cross-checking.
- Aviation (especially airline) shops are likely to be unionized (which can also be a pro).
- Many aviation shops are shift-based (work around the clock with new mechanics picking up the graveyard shifts), while auto dealerships typically have normal working hours.
- Most would describe aviation shops as a higher-stress environment than auto shops.
Different Education Requirements
The biggest separator between being an automotive mechanic and an aircraft mechanic is the amount of education you need to get started.
In the automotive world, the typical career path involves working as an apprentice at a small shop and progressively learning the skills of the trade as you gain experience.
To improve their odds of landing higher-paying jobs, many mechanics go to trade school to better their skills. Many mechanics also pursue ASE certifications.
The requirements to be an aircraft mechanic begin with getting licensed by the FAA.
The most time and cost-effective way of doing this is by attending a trade school to get your FAA A&P (airframe and powerplant) license.
It is technically possible to earn these through apprenticeships, but the requirements mean you couldn’t get licensed for at least three years from when you began. Schools like Thrust Institute of Maintenance can cut this down to as little as 12 months.