Avionics Technicians

O*NET 49-2091.00 · SOC 49-2091

Avionics Technician is a strong career choice. Median pay is $82k a year with +9.4% projected growth through 2035 (faster than average) and about 1,700 openings a year. AI exposure: Moderate.

Bureau of Labor Statistics projections 2025–2035 · Data updated 2026-07-27

Projected Growth
+9.4%
2025–2035
Median Salary
$82k
BLS OEWS, May 2025
Annual Openings
2k
positions/year
Education Level
Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

What You'd Actually Do

  • →Test aircraft navigation and communication systems for faults
  • →Replace defective avionics components such as GPS units
  • →Read wiring diagrams to trace electrical faults in cockpit
  • →Calibrate flight instruments to manufacturer specifications
  • →Document all avionics repairs in aircraft maintenance logs

Education & How to Get In

📋
Job Zone 3
Medium preparation needed (vocational or associate's)

Most Avionics Technician positions require an associate degree or vocational training. Many community colleges and technical schools offer relevant programs that can be completed in 1–2 years, often with hands-on clinical or lab experience built in.

Get Started Learning

Ready to start building skills for a career as an Avionics Technician? These platforms offer courses you can start today, many with free trials or financial aid.

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Work Environment

Primary Setting

Hands-on, labs, workshops, or field sites

Work Style

Mixed, alternates between solo focused work and collaboration

A Day in the Life

While every role varies by employer and specialization, a typical day as an Avionics Technician involves a mix of core responsibilities:

MorningTest aircraft navigation and communication systems for faults
MiddayReplace defective avionics components such as GPS units
AfternoonRead wiring diagrams to trace electrical faults in cockpit

Personality Fit (RIASEC)

Realistic (Doers)7.0
Conventional (Organizers)4.4
Investigative (Thinkers)4.3
Social (Helpers)1.4
Artistic (Creators)1.2
Enterprising (Persuaders)1.1

Who Thrives as Avionics Technician?

Based on the interests and work style this role actually demands, these personality types tend to fit it best. Salary and growth tell you if a career is worth entering; personality fit tells you whether you'll still want it in five years.

ISTPThe CraftspersonISTJThe InspectorINTJThe StrategistINTPThe Thinker

Not sure which you are? Take the 7-minute quiz →

See Open Avionics Technician Roles

Browse live openings to get a feel for requirements and pay in your area.

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Job Outlook

Employment of Avionics Technicians is projected to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, faster than average for all occupations.

Will AI Replace This Job?

35/100Moderate, likely AI-complementary
  • ·37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target
  • ·43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress
  • ·Industry sector with low automation exposure

Scored from the mix of routine, creative, physical and social tasks the role involves, adjusted for sector and projected growth. An estimate, not a forecast.

Common Questions

How much does an Avionics Technician make?

The median Avionics Technician earns $82k a year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2025 wage data. Half earn more than that and half earn less, and pay varies considerably by state, industry and experience.

Will AI replace Avionics Technician jobs?

Our model puts Avionics Technician at 35 out of 100 for automation exposure, which is moderate, likely AI-complementary. The main drivers: 37% routine cognitive tasks, high automation target; 43% physical tasks, limited by robotics progress.

Is Avionics Technician a growing field?

Employment is projected to grow 9.4% between 2025 and 2035, which is faster than average. That works out to roughly 1,700 openings a year, counting both new positions and people leaving the occupation.

What degree do you need to be an Avionics Technician?

Most Avionics Technician roles expect an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational certificate rather than a four-year degree.

How long does it take to become an Avionics Technician?

Typically one to two years, typically an associate degree, apprenticeship or vocational program. O*NET classes this role as Job Zone 3 of 5, which describes how much preparation people in it usually have.

Is an Avionics Technician career right for you?

Your personality, values, and strengths matter as much as the job market. Take the quiz to see your personalized Future-Fit Score for this career and hundreds more.

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