What Does it Take to Be an Avionics Technician?
Position Description Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
List of Avionics Technician Job Duties
- Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
- Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
- Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.
- Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
Featured schools near , edit
What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Avionics Technician?
These are the skills Avionics Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Avionics Systems Integration Specialist
- Test Technician
- Airplane Electrical Repairer
- Automatic Pilot Mechanic
- Avionics Electronics Technician
Are There Job Opportunities for Avionics Technicians?
There were about 17,500 jobs for Avionics Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,100 new jobs for Avionics Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 1,500 yearly job openings in this field.

The states with the most job growth for Avionics Technician are Alabama, Nevada, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Do Avionics Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
The salary for Avionics Technicians ranges between about $39,940 and $94,710 a year.

Avionics Technicians who work in Maryland, Massachusetts, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Avionics Technicians make in each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $55,370 |
Alaska | $71,070 |
Arizona | $66,330 |
Arkansas | $56,130 |
California | $70,710 |
Colorado | $61,030 |
Delaware | $59,680 |
Florida | $61,730 |
Georgia | $66,630 |
Hawaii | $69,370 |
Idaho | $50,570 |
Illinois | $60,240 |
Indiana | $59,190 |
Kansas | $60,530 |
Kentucky | $62,060 |
Louisiana | $51,900 |
Maryland | $73,110 |
Massachusetts | $70,190 |
Minnesota | $57,540 |
Mississippi | $57,680 |
Missouri | $68,920 |
Nevada | $65,360 |
New Jersey | $71,360 |
New Mexico | $58,460 |
New York | $67,550 |
North Carolina | $56,750 |
Ohio | $50,410 |
Oklahoma | $58,760 |
Oregon | $69,330 |
Pennsylvania | $66,090 |
South Carolina | $60,990 |
Tennessee | $61,390 |
Texas | $56,680 |
Utah | $59,530 |
Virginia | $64,520 |
Wisconsin | $54,470 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Avionics Technicians
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Avionics Technicians may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Data entry software
- Word processing software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Spreadsheet software
- Linux
- UNIX
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- SAP software
- Software development tools
- Maintenance record software
- Apache Webserver
- C++
- Computer diagnostic software
How to Become an Avionics Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Avionics Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Avionics Technicians?

Avionics Technicians work in the following industries:

Related Careers
Those interested in being an Avionics Technician may also be interested in:
Those who work as an Avionics Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |