Avionics Technicians
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Also called: Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist · Aircraft Technician · Aviation Electrical Technician · Aviation Electronics Technician · Avionics Electronics Technician · Avionics Installer
Median pay (national)
$81,390
$49,770–$113,580 (10th–90th)
Employed (US)
20,900
BLS OEWS, May 2024
Outlook 2024–34
+8.2%
~1,800 openings/yr
Typical entry
Postsecondary nondegree award
What the numbers say
Refit analysis ·Pay for avionics technicians shows a broad range: the top 10% earn $113,580 versus $49,770 at the bottom 10% — 2.3x. The median of $81,390 leaves roughly 40% of headroom to the 90th percentile, which is where seniority, specialization, and the skills below tend to pay off.
Refit analysis ·Employment is projected to change +8.2% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the 3% average for all occupations. Even so, BLS projects about 1,800 openings a year, mostly to replace workers who retire or change careers.
Refit analysis ·Where you work moves the number a lot. Across the 42 states with released data, Washington pays the most for this role (median $107,640, +32% vs the national median), while Puerto Rico sits lowest at $33,660 — a 220% spread for the same job title.
Refit analysis ·O*NET rates Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking as the highest-importance skills here — so a resume aimed at this role should lead with evidence of those, not a generic skills list. On the tools side, O*NET flags Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software as in-demand technologies for this role.
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Top skills employers ask for
Ranked by O*NET importance for this occupation.
- Critical Thinking
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Monitoring
- Active Learning
- Science
- Learning Strategies
- Mathematics
What they actually do
Core O*NET tasks for this role.
- 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.
- Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Fabricate parts and test aids as required.
Tools & technology
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C++
- Linux
- Oracle Java
- SAP software
- UNIX
- Workday software
- Apache HTTP Server
- Avionics system testing software
- Computer diagnostic software
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Maintenance record software
- Software development tools
- Technical Data Management System TDMS
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Design
- Mathematics