Career comparison
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Commercial Pilot
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Commercial pilots earn more at the median ($123,220 vs. $79,870), while commercial pilots usually get to work faster (1–2 years of flight training of training). Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards. Commercial pilots fly airplanes and helicopters for charter, cargo, tours, agriculture and more.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Aircraft Mechanic | Commercial Pilot | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) | $123,220 |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,780 – $128,890 | $58,850 – $266,620 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.4% (faster than average) | +5.2% (faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 11,400 | 5,200 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 18–30 months | 1–2 years of flight training |
| Key credential | FAA A&P certificate | Commercial pilot certificate |
| Work setting | Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. | Pilots work in cockpits, on ramps and in flight planning offices. |
What each job does
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
Commercial Pilot
- Plan flights and check weather and NOTAMs
- Calculate weight, balance and performance
- Inspect aircraft before flight
- Fly safely under FAA regulations
- Communicate with air traffic control
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, high responsibility, and high-pay. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and transportation & logistics, but share transferable skills such as integrity and attention to detail and decision making.
Which should you choose?
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
Choose commercial pilot if…
- I’ve always wanted to fly
- I stay calm when things go wrong
- I can follow checklists precisely
Still torn? Take the Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz and the Commercial Pilot fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aircraft mechanic or commercial pilot?
Commercial Pilots earn more at the median: $123,220 versus $79,870 for aircraft mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Commercial Pilots typically train faster (1–2 years of flight training) than aircraft mechanics (18–30 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects aircraft mechanics to grow +5.4% from 2025–35, compared with +5.2% for commercial pilots.