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Avionics Technician

All About Avionics Technicians

Example of Avionics Technician Job 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

  • Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
  • Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
  • Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.
  • Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as an Avionics Technician?

Below is a list of the skills most Avionics Technicians say are important on the job.

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.

  • Aviation Maintenance Technician
  • Instrument Specialist
  • Avionics Systems Integration Specialist
  • Aircraft Instrument Mechanic
  • Aviation Electronics Technician

Job Outlook for Avionics Technicians

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 17,500 jobs in the United States for Avionics Technician. 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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,500 job openings in this field each year.

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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.

What is the Average Salary of an Avionics Technician

Avionics Technicians make between $39,940 and $94,710 a year.

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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

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

Education needed to be an Avionics Technician:

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Avionics Technician?

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming an Avionics Technician might also be interested in the following careers:

Career changers with experience as an Avionics Technician sometimes find work in one of the following fields:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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