Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians: Who Earns More?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians out-earn Agricultural Equipment Operators by $38K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Agricultural Equipment Operators land at $41,730 and Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $79,870. The education gap is real: agricultural equipment operator programs typically require no formal educational credential, while aircraft mechanics and service technician programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators is Montana ($58,770); for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians it's New Jersey ($105,370).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Agricultural Equipment Operators median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn more nationally. The median is $41,730 for Agricultural Equipment Operators versus $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians, a difference of $38K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Agricultural Equipment Operators has the better 10-year outlook at 7.7% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Agricultural Equipment Operators or Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians?
Agricultural Equipment Operators typically requires no formal educational credential. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Agricultural Equipment Operators get paid the most?
Montana is the top-paying state for Agricultural Equipment Operators at $58,770/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Agricultural Equipment Operators vs. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Agricultural Equipment Operators earn $50,020 vs. $102,800 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.