Shy Torque
I will never mention you again, bugger just did!!!!!!!
Looks like the mechanics have had a pay rise since Nicks original post. I make it that they are now earning more than 50% of a "real engineers" pay !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
We have the same types of statistics in the UK jobs guide. A book aimed at careers teachers and students. According to that document a licensed engineer earns £20/30,000 a year.
Our unlicensed mechanics were earning over £30,000 a year 3 years ago from a basic of about £22,000+bonus+overtime. All this with a shift system that required them to attend for only 150 days a year!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nobody should underestimate the value of a skilled mechanic. When it comes to getting checks done on night shifts they are the engine that shifts the work.
However the operators require certifying engineers to sign for the mechanics work and to release the aircraft to service, which is where the licensed engineers come in. They take the resposibility and carry the can when it goes wrong. They get paid accordingly (if they are lucky).
Out of interest what does an I.A earn in the States if they still have them?