Do Automotive Mechanics Really Make More Than Aircraft Mechanics?

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,

  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.

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