Avionics Technicians
SOC code 49-2091 · O*NET-SOC 49-2091.00 · Medium preparation needed · Skilled trades
Bright Outlook — O*NET expects rapid growth for this occupation
Avionics Technicians pay
U.S. national figures, May 2025 BLS survey · How we got this number
Median pay
$82,280
a year
Hourly
$39.56
per hour
The solid band is the middle 50% of workers; the bar spans the 10th to 90th percentile.
Average pay
$83,380
$40.09 per hour
Middle 50%
$63,900 – $99,110
25th to 75th percentile
Full spread
$49,410 – $113,680
10th to 90th percentile
People employed
18,830
nationwide
National U.S. figure, May 2025. Local pay can be higher or lower.
- 10th percentile
- $49,410
- $23.75/hr
- 25th percentile
- $63,900
- $30.72/hr
- Median percentile
- $82,280
- $39.56/hr
- 75th percentile
- $99,110
- $47.65/hr
- 90th percentile
- $113,680
- $54.65/hr
What does an avionics technician do?
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
The tasks that matter most day to day
- Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
- Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
- Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
- Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
How to become an avionics technician
Most people in this role hold post-secondary certificate — 50% of workers surveyed reported it as their level of education.
Preparation level: zone 3 — Medium preparation needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education reported by people doing this job
- Post-Secondary Certificate50%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)18%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree16%
- Some College Courses12%
Common questions
How much does an avionics technician earn?
The national median is $82,280 a year. The full range runs from $49,410 at the 10th percentile to $113,680 at the 90th — entry pay sits closer to the lower figure, and experience, licensing and specialisation move you up the range.
Can you become an avionics technician without a degree?
Yes — this occupation sits in preparation zone 3, meaning the typical entry route is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. A four-year degree is not the standard requirement, though licensing or certification may still apply.
Skills and knowledge you need
Core skills
- Critical Thinking3.8/5
- Active Listening3.4/5
- Speaking3.4/5
- Reading Comprehension3.3/5
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics4.4/5
- Mechanical4.2/5
- English Language4.2/5
- Engineering and Technology3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.5/5
- Telecommunications3.4/5
- Design3.4/5
- Mathematics3.4/5
Transferable strengths: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis, Complex Problem Solving.