Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Animal Caretakers: Who Earns More?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians out-earn Animal Caretakers by $45K a year at the national median, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians land at $79,870 and Animal Caretakers at $35,360. The education gap is real: aircraft mechanics and service technician programs typically require high school diploma or equivalent, while animal caretaker programs require high school diploma or equivalent. Top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians is New Jersey ($105,370); for Animal Caretakers it's District of Columbia ($44,210).
Pay by state
States where both occupations have BLS data, sorted by Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians median pay.
Source: BLS OEWS May 2025. Highlighted value is higher in each row.
Common questions
Who earns more, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn more nationally. The median is $79,870 for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians versus $35,360 for Animal Caretakers, a difference of $45K. Per BLS OEWS May 2025.
Which has better job growth, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Animal Caretakers has the better 10-year outlook at 12.1% projected growth, compared to 4% for the other field. Both are from BLS Employment Projections.
Which requires more education, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians or Animal Caretakers?
Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians typically requires high school diploma or equivalent. Animal Caretakers requires high school diploma or equivalent. Education requirements vary by employer and state licensing board.
Where do Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians get paid the most?
New Jersey is the top-paying state for Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians at $105,370/year, per BLS OEWS May 2025. Major metro areas within that state typically pay even more than the state average.
How does Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians vs. Animal Caretakers pay differ by state?
The gap varies significantly by state. In New York, Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians earn $102,800 vs. $37,840 for Animal Caretakers. See the state comparison table on this page for the full picture.