Career comparison
Aerospace Engineering Technician vs. Aircraft Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Aerospace engineering technicians earn more at the median ($82,890 vs. $79,870), while aircraft mechanics usually get to work faster (18–30 months of training). Aerospace engineering technicians build, test and maintain aircraft and spacecraft systems alongside engineers. 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 Engineering Technician | Aircraft Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $82,890 ($39.85/hr) | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $59,050 – $125,160 | $48,780 – $128,890 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +11.9% (much faster than average) | +5.4% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,100 | 11,400 |
| Typical entry education | Associate's degree | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 2-year degree | 18–30 months |
| Key credential | NASA workmanship standards | FAA A&P certificate |
| Work setting | Technicians work in labs, test cells, hangars and launch sites.. | Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. |
What each job does
Aerospace Engineering Technician
- Build test setups
- Install sensors
- Run tests
- Record data
- Maintain test equipment
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 hands-on work, in-demand, problem-solving, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, science, engineering & lab and mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing, but share transferable skills such as attention to detail and integrity and attention to detail.
Which should you choose?
Choose aerospace engineering technician if…
- I love aerospace
- I like hands-on testing
- I’m detail-oriented
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 Engineering Technician fit quiz and the Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aerospace engineering technician or aircraft mechanic?
Aerospace Engineering Technicians earn more at the median: $82,890 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 engineering technicians (2-year degree).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects aerospace engineering technicians to grow +11.9% from 2025–35, compared with +5.4% for aircraft mechanics.