Do Automotive Mechanics Really Make More Than Aircraft Mechanics?
Do Automotive Mechanics Really Make More than Aircraft Mechanics?
Are you undecided about which career path to take? If you are trying to compare automotive mechanic Vs. aircraft mechanic, then this post should shed some light on the decision. First of all, I am of course biased to some extent when it comes to this topic. I am currently a helicopter mechanic with my A&P license. However, I have worked in the automotive industry for years, primarily in automotive testing/ engineering sector. I have many friends that still work in this field still today. For this discussion, I am going to break it down into Pros and Cons of each career.
The Automotive Mechanic
The automotive mechanic can earn an income by either an hourly wage, flat rate or self employed. According to US department of Labor, an hourly paid automotive mechanic can earn about $20.00 an hour. If you are unaware of what flat rate is, let me describe it to you. Lets say a mechanic is performing a job for a customer. According to the job, the task lists that it will take 2 hours. But our mechanic is super fast, and he has does this task many times before. Not to mention he has a special tool that makes the job even easier. He can get it done in 15 minutes. He will get paid for 2 hours labor. In this example, the mechanic can make a killing. Most dealerships are flat rate. It is also important to note that warranty repairs generally do not give as much time to complete. So, if you are stuck doing multiple warranty jobs, you could be struggling. Not to mention, some jobs are grossly generous while others are near impossible to meet the allotted time. So the trick is to get the good jobs while the other poor saps that you work with get the crap jobs. Now, this largely comes down to how well you know and get along with the sales guy who distributes the jobs. Especially if you are new, it can take a long time to build up a reputation. Plus, the dealership needs new guys like you to shovel the crap jobs on to while they get the easy cake jobs. After all, they did their time, now you gotta do yours. Also, when times get slow, so does your pay check. Hourly rate is much more dependable and steady.
Other Options
I have two friends that swear that they make great money working on school buses. Diesel mechanics can make good money, and working on a school bus is probably one of the easier gigs. School buses are pretty simple and utilitarian in design. If you are really detail oriented, auto body might be your thing too. If you love spending countless hours sanding while breathing harmful chemicals only to have the customer complain of orange peel in the paint, auto body might be your ticket.
Pros
- There are automotive shops all over the place. Finding a job is easy.
- ASE certifications are plentiful and easy to get.
- You don’t have to be a mechanic, There are automotive test technician jobs that pay well
- Short Schooling
- Low risk / Liability
Cons
- Those ASE certifications expire every 5 years – Costs more money to renew
- Need lots of special tools. Must have SAE and Metric sizes
- Pay tops out and not much room for advancement
- Working on old crappy cars is not much fun
The Aircraft Mechanic
Aircraft mechanics are normally either salary or hourly employees. According to US department of labor, aircraft mechanics can make between $20.00 – $27.00 on average. Now, as
- Eurocopter EC-135 – Photo Marcus Schlaf
with the automotive mechanic stats, I would take these numbers with a grain of salt. The pay range for aircraft mechanics is really all over the board. Working in a small FBO at the airport generally does not pay very well, in fact, I would expect about $15.00 per hour. Working at an FBO does build experience levels and teaches valuable skills but the real money is elsewhere. The real money comes after you get more confident and more familiar with different airframes. There are lots of areas to specialize in like sheet-metal repair, avionics, aircraft electrician or general mechanic. Each of these areas can earn a nice chunk of money. It is even possible to earn a 6 figure income as an aircraft mechanic. These might be contracting jobs overseas or consultation jobs here back in the states. The point is, there is huge potential to make real money in this industry. There has been lots of bad news lately coming from the airline industry. Mechanics are being laid off left and right while companies file in bankruptcy court. This is indeed tragic and it saddens me because these were once great jobs. They were the highest paid in the industry. Unfortunately times have changed. The solution to this problem is to avoid the airline industry if at all possible. The major cargo carriers still have good pay and benefits however. Most of the airline maintenance is not being contracted out. Mechanics earn anywhere from $17.00 – $25.00 per hour. This can also be a great place to build up experience as most contract firms do not require lots of experience. The Pros and Cons of aviation maintenance;
Pros
- Great money, 6 figures is possible
- Aviation mechanic schools are short – approx 2 years
- No certification renewal, A&P license good for life or until surrendered
- Aircraft are way cooler than cars.
- More advancement opportunities
Cons
- Depending on location, jobs might be scarce. Travel may be required
- High liability. Your signature releases the aircraft back into service
Bottom Line
Whether your a helicopter mechanic, jet engine mechanic, or general aircraft mechanic, aviation is definitely the way to go. Now, you do have to enjoy being around aircraft. The aviation community is a small close nit group of people who are always willing to share and teach their experiences. The people is what really makes aviation a great place to work. There is nothing better than going on a test flight after some maintenance and “punching a hole in the sky”. Even the rarest and fastest car on the planet cannot compare to flight.
Besides, you can always get your A&P license, and also become an automotive mechanic too. An aircraft mechanic can always work on cars, but an automotive mechanic cannot work on planes. Getting your ASE certifications is pretty easy to do if you decide to change your mind. Aviation mechanic schools teach a great deal of useful information not only for aircraft mechanics, but all mechanics, the basics are all the same. It is also nice to have a backup plan in case you dream job falls through. I always advise to be good at more than one thing. There is no reason why a person who fixes aircraft cannot fix a car, motorcycle or lawnmower for that matter. I have experienced that automotive testing industry likes aircraft mechanic guys. The idea is that an aircraft mechanic is more detail oriented (real or perceived) and better suited for a lab testing environment.
Where Do You Start?
In the United States, you will need your Airframe – Powerplant license, or A&P if you wish to work on aircraft. The A&P license is issued by the Federal Aviation Administration. Getting your A&P license is pretty straight forward. Basically you attend a 2 year aviation mechanic school and after graduation, you can test for the A&P license.Use the aviation mechanic school finder here and find a school near you. Go visit the school and talk to the administrations department. Get your career going!
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I know you are dead wrong about certifications- 5 yrs ASE 2yrs FAA—
as far as the rest– you are pretty close– also aviation mechanics are more versatile highly trained and can go to other fields much faster than an auto or diesel mechanics- many fields open up– auto mechanic– you have a mechanical back ground- specialized in a small area– they know very little beyond changing out parts- until they hit senior positions– and then they still cant hold a wrench to an A&P grad.
Yes, you got me on the ASE re-certs, It is 5 years. Shows how much attention I was paying while I took my ASE tests. I have edited the post, thanks. As for the A&P certification, it is good for life or until revoked or surrendered. The Inspection Authorization does have a 2 year renewal among other requirements however. The two year rule you are referring I believe is the “recent experience” rule. Basically, if you do not work on an aircraft for 2 years, you cannot return an aircraft to service legally unless you have had 6 months of work under your belt. You do not lose you license, you just gotta get some recent experience under your belt. This has posed problems for mechanics finding work because employers have a hard time hiring someone outside the 2 year rule. The two year rule I believe you are referring to is;
§ 65.83 Recent experience requirements.
A certificated mechanic may not exercise the privileges of his certificate and rating unless, within the preceding 24 months—
(a) The Administrator has found that he is able to do that work; or
(b) He has, for at least 6 months—
(1) Served as a mechanic under his certificate and rating;
(2) Technically supervised other mechanics;
(3) Supervised, in an executive capacity, the maintenance or alteration of aircraft; or
(4) Been engaged in any combination of paragraph (b) (1), (2), or (3) of this section.
Hi, I’ve been an auto mechanic for 21 yrs and in a word flat rate sucks. I’m considering a new career as an a&P mechanic. I’m a bit hesitant because of my age and other factors, I absolutely love what I do and, not bragging, I’m good at it. One of my concerns is the quality of training, the school nearest to me is National Aviation Academy. I’m looking for feedback as to their reputation.
Personally I would look for the most cost effective way to get the A&P certifications. That means finding the cheapest school. These schools are all regulated under FAR part 147. Sure, some of the training aids might be older than other schools but being that your a mechanic already, you will have a greater understanding of the basics, and all your going to learn in A&P school is the basics. Most of your learning will happen outside of the school after graduation. Employers typically do not care where you got your A&P license. While the NAA may be a great school, it know it is not cheap. I attended a high school that had an A&P program for older people and it saved me a ton of money. Use the school finder here http://www.myaandplicense.com/aviation-mechanic-schools/ to locate a part 147 aviation mechanic school.
Q. For how long a period is the mechanic certificate valid?
A. The mechanic certificate is valid until surrendered, suspended, or revoked.
above is from the FAA— but must have worked on aircraft in every two year period- or you do lose it-
When do I take Re-certification Tests?
Certification credentials are valid for five years. If it has been five years or more since you took a particular test, it’s time to register for the corresponding Re certification
Test. The five-year requirement ensures certified professionals are current in the rapidly changing industry.
from ASE website
Who wants to work on minivans and four door sedans day in and day out, when they could be working on a jet or a helicopter? Even the most boring service helicopter is more rewarding than making sure that grandma can get to the market on time.
After spending 3 1/2 years behind an auto parts counter, finding parts for everything from a horse drawn wagon, countless minivans and sedans, to mud pit racers, I can assure you that the automotive mechanic does not have the same excitement that an aviation mechanic has.
I have had my A&P almost two years now and I have worked for two of the big names in aviation, Sikorsky and Northrop Grumman. Both have treated me better than Mr.Goodwrench would have. I have worked on the UH-60 Black Hawk, a utility helicopter for the Army, and even though it is comparable to a work van I can quite assure you that I have more pride turning a wrench on it, than I have any car.
My current bird is the E-8C JSTARS, a ground surveillance aircraft, and it too is not a sports car in the skies, but it is still a thrill to know that my work helps it take to the air and save the lives of our troops.
With your A&P you can still work on cars. With your ASE you can still fly on an airplane.
Right on brother! I admit I had to google the Jstar acft as I have never heard of them. I bet it is a close knit unit. It must be something in our blood huh? I just love the smell of jet fuel!
Yeah, the JSTARS is not widely known, but it is actually a very vital aircraft to the military.
I have to admit, the smell of kerosene in the air brings a smile to my face, but it is the sound of a turbine spooled up that makes me really happy.
I am a car freak at heart, but unless I was working on the exotics every day, it would not compare to the life of an A&P.