Life As an Avionics Technician
Job Description: Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Life As an Avionics Technician: What Do They Do?
- Fabricate parts and test aids as required.
- Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.
- Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- Assemble prototypes or models of circuits, instruments, and systems for use in testing.
- Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
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What Every Avionics Technician Should Know
When polled, Avionics Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:
Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Avionics Technician Jobs
- Avionics Systems Integration Specialist
- Electronic Technician
- Electrical and Radio Aircraft Mechanic
- Missile Facilities Repairer
- Wirer
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 typical yearly salary for Avionics Technicians is somewhere between $39,940 and $94,710.

Avionics Technicians who work in Maryland, Massachusetts, or California, make the highest salaries.
How much do Avionics Technicians make in different U.S. states?
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 |
What Tools do Avionics Technicians Use?
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Avionics Technicians:
- 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
Becoming an Avionics Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become an Avionics Technician?

How Long Does it Take to Become an Avionics Technician?

Where Avionics Technicians Are Employed

Avionics Technicians work in the following industries:

Other Jobs You May be Interested In
Those thinking about becoming an Avionics Technician might also be interested in the following careers:
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.
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