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 Avionics Technician (Aircraft Avionics Tech), Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist, Aircraft Electrician, Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech), Airplane Technician (Airplane Tech), Aviation Electrical Technician (Aviation Electrical Tech)
Median pay
$82,280
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$49,410 – $113,680
People employed
18,830
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Do you prefer doing your own work rather than directing others?
- 2.Would you rather not deal with customers or the public?
- 3.Do you want variety, with new tasks often?
- 4.Do you want to stay at 40 hours a week or less?
- 5.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Avionics Technicians pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (42 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What avionics technicians do
- 01Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- 02Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- 03Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
- 04Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- 05Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- 06Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Reading Comprehension
- Monitoring
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 2 years, up to and including 4 years.
- On-the-job training: over 3 months, up to and including 6 months.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from avionics technicians
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians92% · −3%
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians91% · −10%
- Robotics Technicians89% · group pay
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians87% · +1%
- Automotive Engineering Technicians86% · group pay
Change into avionics technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians92% · $79,870
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians91% · $73,900
- Medical Equipment Repairers90% · $61,660
- Automotive Engineering Technicians89% · $74,510
- Robotics Technicians89% · $73,900
Majors that lead here
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other
- Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.