Avionics technicians
SOC Code: 49-2091Also known as:
Aircraft Armament Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Tech (Aircraft Avionics Technician), Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
Median Annual Salary
$81,390
+8.2% growth (2024-2034)
2K
Openings/Year
21K
Current Jobs
What Avionics technicians Do
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
💰 Salary
$81,390
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.2%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
2K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
21,400
Projected Employment (2034)
23,100
Related Careers
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830 •
+8.1% growth
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760 •
+1.1% growth
Electrical and electronics repairers, commercial and industrial equipment
$71,300 •
-0.8% growth
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians
$78,680 •
+4.0% growth
Aircraft structure, surfaces, rigging, and systems assemblers
$61,680 •
-14.5% growth
Top Skills Required
Equipment Maintenance
Troubleshooting
Repairing
Critical Thinking
Operations Monitoring
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
- Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
- Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
- Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
- Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary nondegree award
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Avionics technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a avionics technicians:
Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
719 degrees awarded •
35 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Avionics technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become avionics technicians.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do avionics technicians make?
The median annual salary for avionics technicians is $81,390.
What education do avionics technicians need?
Most avionics technicians positions require a postsecondary nondegree award.
Common degree programs include Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Is becoming avionics technicians a good career choice?
Avionics technicians is projected to see +8.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 1,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for avionics technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring avionics technicians include
Everett Community College, North Central Institute, Cochise County Community College District, Hazard Community and Technical College, Utah State University.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to avionics technicians?
Avionics technicians may also be known as: Aircraft Armament Mechanic, Aircraft Avionics Tech (Aircraft Avionics Technician), Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Instrument Mechanic, Aircraft Technician, Airplane Electrical Repairer, Airplane Electrician, Airplane Technician, Automatic Pilot Mechanic, Aviation Electrical Technician, Aviation Electrician, Aviation Electronics Technician, Aviation Maintenance Technician, Avionics Electronics Technician, Avionics Installer, Avionics Systems Integration Specialist, Avionics Systems Repairer, Avionics Technician, Composite Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.