Avionics Technicians

SOC: 49-2091 O*NET: 49-2091.00
Median Salary
$82,280
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.2%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
1.8
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

What does a Avionics Technicians do?

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

How much can you earn?

Entry Level
$49,410
10th percentile
Early Career
$63,900
25th percentile
Median
$82,280
50th percentile
Experienced
$99,110
75th percentile
Top Earners
$113,680
90th percentile

National Salary Distribution

10th
$49,410
25th
$63,900
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$82,280
Mean: $83,380
75th
$99,110
90th
$113,680
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)

Key Insights

  • Salary range spans $64,270 from entry level to top earners
  • Middle 50% earn between $63,900 and $99,110
  • Salary spread is 42.8% around the median, showing high variation
  • Total national employment: 18,830 professionals

What's the job outlook?

Job Market Intelligence

High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk

Current Employment

National Employment:21,400

Top Industries

Manufacturing39.4%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing37.8%
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing37.7%

10-Year Outlook

Growth Rate:+8.2%
Annual Openings:1,800

Employment Projections

2024 (Current)21,400
Current
2034 (Projected)23,100
+8.2%
+1,700
Employment Change
+8.2%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection

Growth Category: Faster than average

Geographic Salary & Employment Data

Explore where Avionics Technicians professionals work across the United States

Showing 15 of 42 locations
Washington
3,400 jobs$91,3807.91x
Florida
2,400 jobs$83,8002.00x
Georgia
1,820 jobs$79,0603.07x
Texas
1,710 jobs$81,9501.00x
California
1,220 jobs$92,4800.55x
Alabama
910 jobs$95,9203.54x
Arizona
600 jobs$79,7701.53x
Oklahoma
530 jobs$70,6402.56x
North Carolina
520 jobs$78,7100.87x
Tennessee
480 jobs$60,8201.21x
Illinois
300 jobs$81,1700.41x
Michigan
300 jobs$58,2800.56x
South Carolina
270 jobs$81,7200.95x
New Jersey
260 jobs$100,2500.50x
Virginia
250 jobs$85,6600.51x

Understanding the Data

Location Quotient (LQ):

  • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
  • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
  • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average

Data Source:

Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025

Key Growth Factors

  • Faster than average growth expected
  • High current market demand

What skills do you need?

Top 10 Most Important Skills

#1
Troubleshooting
100%
#2
Equipment Maintenance
94%
#3
Repairing
86%
#4
Critical Thinking
80%
#5
Quality Control Analysis
74%
#6
Operations Monitoring
66%
#7
Complex Problem Solving
60%
#8
Speaking
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Reading Comprehension
40%

Skills Overview

Troubleshooting
advanced5.0
100%
Equipment Maintenance
advanced4.7
94%
Repairing
intermediate4.3
86%
Critical Thinking
intermediate4.0
80%
Quality Control Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Operations Monitoring
intermediate3.3
66%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced3.0
60%
Speaking
basic2.7
54%

Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.

Filter:
Sort by:

Troubleshooting

advanced
Importance100%
skills
5.0/5.0

Equipment Maintenance

advanced
Importance94%
skills
4.7/5.0

Repairing

intermediate
Importance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0

Critical Thinking

intermediate
Importance80%
abilities
4.0/5.0

Quality Control Analysis

intermediate
Importance74%
skills
3.7/5.0

Operations Monitoring

intermediate
Importance66%
skills
3.3/5.0

Complex Problem Solving

advanced
Importance60%
abilities
3.0/5.0

Speaking

basic
Importance54%
skills
2.7/5.0

Active Listening

basic
Importance46%
skills
2.3/5.0

Reading Comprehension

basic
Importance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0

Highly Transferable Skills

These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay100%
5 shared skills
Home Appliance Repairers100%
5 shared skills
Robotics Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers82%
5 shared skills
Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers, Except Line Installers82%
5 shared skills
Rail Car Repairers73%
5 shared skills

Skills by Career Stage

Entry Level

Learn on the Job:
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Speaking
  • Complex Problem Solving

Mid Career

Expected:
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Repairing
  • Critical Thinking

Senior Level

Mastery Required:
  • Troubleshooting
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Repairing
  • Critical Thinking
  • Quality Control Analysis

Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
  • Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
  • Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
  • Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time

What technology will you use?

Technology & Digital Skills

Essential technology proficiencies for Avionics Technicians

Technology Intensity
High

Digital Literacy Requirements

This career requires advanced digital literacy

1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert

Key Digital Competencies:

Proficiency with specialized softwareTechnical documentationData analysis toolsSystem integration
🔥

Hot Technologies in Demand

These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field

Autodesk AutoCAD

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Outlook

🔥 Hot Tech

SAP software

🔥 Hot Tech

Workday software

🔥 Hot Tech

C++

🔥 Hot Tech

Oracle Java

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Office software

🔥 Hot Tech

Linux

🔥 Hot Tech

UNIX

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft PowerPoint

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Excel

🔥 Hot Tech

Microsoft Word

🔥 Hot Tech

Technology Stack

Technology Stack Overview

Key technologies used in this career

Autodesk AutoCAD
Microsoft Outlook
SAP software
Workday software
C++
Oracle Java
Microsoft Office software
Linux
UNIX
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Word

📚 Technology Learning Resources

Recommended Certifications

  • Vendor-specific software certifications
  • Industry-recognized technology credentials
  • Professional development courses

Online Learning Platforms

  • LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
  • Coursera - University-level programs
  • Udemy - Practical skills training

💡 Technology Skill Development Tips

  • Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
  • Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
  • Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
  • Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers

What's the work environment like?

🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT

💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?

Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:

  • Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
  • Can you meet moderate physical demands?
  • Do you enjoy mostly team team environments?
  • Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?

What are the key tasks?

Tasks & Responsibilities

13
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Operations & Execution (2)General Responsibilities (8)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Communication & Coordination (1)Planning & Development (1)
1

Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
100%
Operations & Execution100% perform
2

Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
98%
General Responsibilities97% perform
3

Keep records of maintenance and repair work.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
96%
Documentation & Record-Keeping94% perform
4

Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
94%
Communication & Coordination91% perform
5

Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
92%
Operations & Execution88% perform
6

Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
90%
General Responsibilities85% perform
7

Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
88%
General Responsibilities82% perform
8

Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.

🔴
Daily
Importance:
86%
General Responsibilities79% perform
9

Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
84%
General Responsibilities76% perform
10

Fabricate parts and test aids as required.

🟡
Weekly
Importance:
82%
General Responsibilities73% perform

💡 Key Takeaways

  • Daily tasks focus primarily on operations & execution activities
  • 54% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
  • Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities

What career paths are available?

Career Pathways

0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase

Advancement Opportunities

Typical career progression paths from Avionics Technicians

💡 Career Planning Tips

  • Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
  • Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
  • Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
  • Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves

Is this career right for you?

Personality & Values Fit

Is This Career Right for You?

Avionics Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support

RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative

Important Personality Traits

Work styles that contribute to success as a Avionics Technicians

Attention to Detail

Critical

Attention to Detail

Importance Level4.82

Integrity

Very Important

Integrity

Importance Level4.46

Dependability

Very Important

Dependability

Importance Level4.39

Analytical Thinking

Very Important

Analytical Thinking

Importance Level4.22

Achievement/Effort

Very Important

Achievement/Effort

Importance Level4.20

Independence

Very Important

Independence

Importance Level4.08

Complete Work Styles Profile

Attention to Detail
4.8
Integrity
4.5
Dependability
4.4
Analytical Thinking
4.2
Achievement/Effort
4.2
Independence
4.1
Initiative
4.0
Self-Control
4.0
Cooperation
4.0
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.0

💡 Tips for Career Fit Success

  • While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
  • Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
  • Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
  • Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career

What education is required?

Education Level

Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies

Preparation Level

Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed

Experience Needed

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

📚 Education Requirement

Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Training:

Training of more than one year

💼 Experience Requirement

Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required

Common pathways to gain experience:

  • Associate degree programs
  • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
  • Vocational training with related experience
3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Explore educational programs that can help you become a Avionics Technicians.

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