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Salary comparison

Aerospace Engineers vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Who Earns More?

Aerospace Engineerss out-earn Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss by $56K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Aerospace Engineerss land at $134,830 and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss at $78,680. The education gap is real: aerospace engineer programs typically require bachelor's degree, while aircraft mechanics and service technician programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aerospace Engineerss is District of Columbia ($175,350); for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss it's New Jersey ($97,730).

Aerospace Engineers
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Median salary
$134,830
$78,680
Hourly rate
$64.82/hr
$37.83/hr
Entry level (10th %)
$85,350
$47,790
Senior level (90th %)
$205,850
$120,080
Education required
Bachelor's degree
High school diploma or equivalent
U.S. employment
68,440
136,390
Job growth (10-year)
N/A
N/A
Category
Engineering
Repair & Maintenance
Top-paying state
District of Columbia
New Jersey

Pay by state

States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aerospace Engineers median pay.

State
Aerospace Engineers
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
Washington
$158,600
$85,010
Maryland
$158,220
$97,660
Massachusetts
$152,210
$87,270
Minnesota
$147,940
$86,640
California
$143,860
$84,910
Vermont
$140,520
$80,890
Hawaii
$134,910
$83,200
Alabama
$133,080
$86,780
New Jersey
$128,400
$97,730
New York
$125,270
$93,200
Tennessee
$122,430
$85,580
Connecticut
$119,060
$82,610
Oregon
$112,460
$81,570
Nevada
$100,920
$97,690
Alaska
$100,610
$85,840

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024. Highlighted value is higher in each row.

Common questions

Who earns more, Aerospace Engineerss or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss?

Aerospace Engineerss earn more nationally. The median is $134,830 for Aerospace Engineerss versus $78,680 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss, a difference of $56K. Per BLS OEWS May 2024.

Which has better job growth, Aerospace Engineers or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?

BLS Employment Projections data is not available for one or both occupations. Check the individual career pages for current outlook figures.

Which requires more education, Aerospace Engineers or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?

Aerospace Engineers typically requires bachelor's degree. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.

Where do Aerospace Engineerss get paid the most?

District of Columbia is the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineerss at $175,350/year, per BLS OEWS May 2024. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.

How does Aerospace Engineers vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay differ by state?

The gap varies significantly by state. In Washington, Aerospace Engineerss earn $158,600 vs. $85,010 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.

Full Aerospace Engineers salary breakdownView →Full Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians salary breakdownView →Best cities for Aerospace Engineerss by take-home payExplore →Best cities for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicianss by take-home payExplore →How to become a aerospace engineersGuide →How to become a aircraft mechanics and service techniciansGuide →