Career comparison
Aerospace Engineer vs. Aircraft Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Aerospace engineers earn more at the median ($134,960 vs. $79,870), while aircraft mechanics usually get to work faster (18–30 months of training). Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles. Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Aerospace Engineer | Aircraft Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $134,960 ($64.89/hr) | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $86,700 – $205,890 | $48,780 – $128,890 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +8.3% (much faster than average) | +5.4% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 3,800 | 11,400 |
| Typical entry education | Bachelor's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 4-year engineering degree | 18–30 months |
| Key credential | PE license | FAA A&P certificate |
| Work setting | Aerospace engineers work in offices, labs, test sites and factories.. | Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. |
What each job does
Aerospace Engineer
- Design aircraft and spacecraft
- Run simulations
- Analyze stresses
- Test prototypes
- Work with manufacturing
Aircraft Mechanic
- Perform scheduled inspections such as annual, 100-hour and airline checks
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems
- Repair or replace engines, landing gear, brakes and components
- Repair aircraft structures and sheet metal
- Comply with airworthiness directives and service bulletins
How they’re similar
Both careers involve high-pay, problem-solving, in-demand, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as problem-solving and integrity and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose aerospace engineer if…
- I love planes and rockets
- I like physics and math
- I like testing
Choose aircraft mechanic if…
- I’m fascinated by airplanes and how they work
- I take rules and documentation seriously
- I’m precise and double-check my work
Still torn? Take the Aerospace Engineer fit quiz and the Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aerospace engineer or aircraft mechanic?
Aerospace Engineers earn more at the median: $134,960 versus $79,870 for aircraft mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Aircraft Mechanics typically train faster (18–30 months) than aerospace engineers (4-year engineering degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects aerospace engineers to grow +8.3% from 2025–35, compared with +5.4% for aircraft mechanics.