Avionics Technicians
SOC Code: 49-2091.00
Installation, Maintenance & RepairAvionics technicians install, inspect, test, adjust, and repair the sophisticated electronic systems that make modern flight possible—from navigation and communication equipment to radar, autopilot, and flight management computers. With a median salary around $81,390 and robust 8.2% projected growth, these specialized technicians work at the intersection of aerospace and electronics, ensuring that the complex avionics suites on commercial airliners, military aircraft, business jets, and helicopters function flawlessly. In an era when aircraft rely on electronics for nearly every critical function, avionics technicians are indispensable to aviation safety and capability.
Salary Overview
Median
$81,390
25th Percentile
$65,170
75th Percentile
$98,990
90th Percentile
$113,580
Salary Distribution
Job Outlook (2024–2034)
Growth Rate
+8.2%
New Openings
1,800
Outlook
Faster than average
Key Skills
Knowledge Areas
What They Do
- 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.
- 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.
Tools & Technology
★ = Hot Technology (in-demand)
Education Requirements
Typical entry-level education: Some College
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A Day in the Life
A morning might begin with a troubleshooting assignment on a regional jet's flight management system that reported erratic behavior during the previous night's operations. The technician reviews the aircraft's fault log, seats herself in the cockpit to run built-in test routines, and uses specialized test equipment to isolate the fault to a specific line-replaceable unit (LRU). After replacing the suspect FMS computer, she runs operational verification tests and documents the repair in the aircraft's maintenance records. Mid-day work involves a scheduled avionics inspection on a business jet undergoing its annual check—systematically testing communication radios, navigation receivers, transponder, weather radar, and emergency locator transmitter against published specifications, recording results on inspection forms. Afternoon tasks could include installing an ADS-B Out upgrade on an older aircraft—running new wiring, mounting antennas, installing the transponder, and performing ground and flight tests to verify proper operation and FAA regulatory compliance. Between hands-on work, technicians reference wiring diagrams, component maintenance manuals, and service bulletins, and complete detailed paperwork documenting every action taken on aircraft systems.
Work Environment
Avionics technicians work in aircraft hangars, on airport ramps, in avionics component repair shops, and occasionally in flight test environments. Hangar work involves accessing avionics equipment throughout the aircraft—in cockpits, electronics bays (often cramped spaces beneath the cockpit floor), tail sections, and wing-mounted equipment locations. Physical demands include working in confined spaces, climbing ladders, reaching into awkward positions, and carrying equipment. Ramp work exposes technicians to outdoor weather conditions and active airport environments with jet noise and exhaust. Component repair shops provide controlled, bench-work environments with oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and automated test equipment. Work schedules vary: airlines and MRO facilities often operate 24/7 with shifts, while corporate aviation and general aviation shops typically maintain more regular hours. The culture emphasizes precision, documentation, and regulatory compliance—shortcuts are unacceptable when aircraft safety is involved.
Career Path & Advancement
Most avionics technicians train through FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schools that offer avionics-specific curriculum, military aviation electronics training programs, or manufacturer-specific training academies. An FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is often required or preferred. Some technicians also hold A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic certificates, which broaden their maintenance authority and employability. Entry-level technicians work under experienced technicians' supervision, performing routine inspections, wire harness fabrication, and component bench testing. With experience, technicians take on complex troubleshooting, modification installations, and system integration work. Senior technicians may lead avionics shops, become manufacturer-designated inspectors, or specialize in particular platforms or system types. Career advancement paths include quality inspection and assurance, avionics shop management, field service engineering with equipment manufacturers, technical publications and training development, or engineering support positions.
Specializations
Communication systems specialists focus on VHF/HF radios, satellite communication (SATCOM), datalink systems, and cockpit voice recorders. Navigation systems technicians specialize in GPS, inertial navigation, VOR/ILS receivers, and area navigation equipment. Radar technicians work with weather radar, terrain awareness systems, and ground-proximity warning systems. Autopilot and flight control technicians maintain and troubleshoot automatic flight control systems, flight directors, and yaw dampers. Flight data systems technicians work with flight data recorders, digital flight data acquisition units, and aircraft health monitoring systems. Military avionics specialists work with electronic warfare systems, targeting pods, heads-up displays, and tactical data links. Bench repair technicians specialize in component-level troubleshooting and repair of avionics LRUs, working with circuit boards, connectors, and electronic test equipment in shop environments rather than on aircraft.
Pros & Cons
Advantages
- ✓Strong median salary of $81,390 reflecting the specialized skills and safety-critical nature of the work
- ✓Robust 8.2% projected growth driven by expanding aircraft fleets and increasing avionics complexity
- ✓Intellectually stimulating troubleshooting work combining electronics expertise with aviation knowledge
- ✓High demand creating competitive compensation, sign-on bonuses, and strong job security
- ✓Working with cutting-edge technology—modern avionics represents some of the most sophisticated electronics deployed
- ✓Career variety across commercial airlines, business aviation, military, manufacturing, and general aviation
- ✓Professional pride in contributing directly to aviation safety and operational capability
Challenges
- ✗Specialized training investment required through aviation maintenance programs or military service
- ✗Physical demands of working in confined aircraft spaces, climbing, and exposure to hangar and ramp conditions
- ✗Shift work at airlines and large MRO facilities including nights, weekends, and holidays
- ✗Regulatory and documentation burden requiring meticulous record-keeping for every maintenance action
- ✗Geographic concentration of aviation employment around major airports and airline maintenance bases
- ✗Continuous learning requirement as avionics technology evolves rapidly across every aircraft system
- ✗Liability pressure—errors in avionics maintenance can have catastrophic safety consequences
Industry Insight
Avionics represents the fastest-growing cost and complexity area of modern aircraft. Next-generation flight decks, synthetic vision systems, advanced weather radar, real-time aircraft health monitoring, satellite-based communication and navigation, and increasingly autonomous flight systems are expanding the scope and sophistication of avionics work. The 8.2% growth projection reflects this expanding electronic content in aircraft and the growing commercial aviation fleet. Cybersecurity concerns are introducing new maintenance and inspection requirements as aircraft become more connected. The ongoing equipage mandates—ADS-B, FANS/CPDLC, and future requirements—create installation and maintenance demand. A qualified avionics technician shortage exists industry-wide, with airlines and MRO facilities competing for trained personnel through sign-on bonuses and enhanced benefits. Military-trained avionics technicians transitioning to civilian careers are in extremely high demand.
How to Break Into This Career
Completing an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program with avionics emphasis is the most direct entry path. Military avionics training—particularly from Air Force, Navy, and Army aviation electronics schools—provides excellent preparation and is highly valued by employers. Earning both an A&P certificate and FCC GROL license maximizes employability. Electronics technology degrees or certificates from community colleges can supplement aviation-specific training. Prior electronics experience—hobbyist, commercial, or industrial—demonstrates foundational aptitude. Demonstrated proficiency with digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and soldering is expected. Computer networking and software skills are increasingly important as modern avionics systems are essentially networked computers. Entry-level positions at regional airlines, small MRO shops, or general aviation facilities provide stepping-stone experience. Major airlines and business aviation operators prefer candidates with several years of experience on specific aircraft types.
Career Pivot Tips
Avionics technicians possess specialized electronics knowledge, troubleshooting methodology, and precision workmanship that transfers to multiple fields. Transitioning to aerospace engineering support or systems engineering technician roles leverages the deep systems integration knowledge gained from working with complex avionics suites. Electronics manufacturing and test engineering positions in defense, telecommunications, or medical electronics value the rigorous testing and documentation standards avionics maintenance requires. Field service engineering roles at avionics equipment manufacturers—Honeywell, Collins Aerospace, Garmin Aviation—combine technical expertise with travel and customer interaction. Electrical and instrumentation technician roles in process industries (oil refining, chemical, power generation) use similar troubleshooting methodology with comparable or higher compensation. Network engineering and IT infrastructure positions leverage the increasing overlap between avionics and computer networking architectures. Technical sales positions at avionics distributors and manufacturers value the credibility and product knowledge experienced technicians bring. FAA aviation safety inspector positions are accessible to experienced avionics technicians with Inspection Authorization privileges.
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