Career comparison
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Diesel Mechanic
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Aircraft mechanics earn more at the median ($79,870 vs. $61,770), while diesel mechanics usually get to work faster (6–24 months of training). Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards. Diesel mechanics diagnose and repair trucks, buses and diesel-powered equipment.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Aircraft Mechanic | Diesel Mechanic | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) | $61,770 ($29.70/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,780 – $128,890 | $44,530 – $88,740 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.4% (faster than average) | +3.6% (about as fast as average) |
| Openings per year | 11,400 | 24,400 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 18–30 months | 6–24 months |
| Key credential | FAA A&P certificate | ASE Medium-Heavy Truck (T-series) |
| Work setting | Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. | Diesel mechanics work in fleet shops, dealerships, independent repair shops and on the road as field service techs. |
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
Diesel Mechanic
- Perform preventive maintenance inspections and services
- Diagnose problems using diagnostic software and test equipment
- Repair or rebuild engines, transmissions and drivetrains
- Inspect and repair air brakes, steering and suspension
- Service aftertreatment systems such as DPF, DEF and SCR
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and shift work. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
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 diesel mechanic if…
- I love figuring out why engines and machines fail
- I don’t mind grease and heavy parts
- I’m comfortable using computers for diagnostics
Still torn? Take the Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz and the Diesel Mechanic fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aircraft mechanic or diesel mechanic?
Aircraft Mechanics earn more at the median: $79,870 versus $61,770 for diesel mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Diesel Mechanics typically train faster (6–24 months) 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 +3.6% for diesel mechanics.