Occupation · SOC 49-2091
Avionics Technicians
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Median wage
$81,390
$49,770–$113,580
Projected growth
+7.9%
Faster than average
Annual openings
170
per year
Employed (US)
20,900
Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
49 mapped
Core skills
TroubleshootingRepairingEquipment MaintenanceQuality Control AnalysisOperations MonitoringCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingSpeakingActive ListeningWritingReading ComprehensionJudgment and Decision MakingTime ManagementMonitoringSystems AnalysisEquipment SelectionCoordinationActive LearningSystems EvaluationSocial PerceptivenessSciencePersuasionInstructingService OrientationInstallationManagement of Personnel ResourcesLearning StrategiesOperation and ControlNegotiationOperations AnalysisMathematicsTechnology DesignManagement of Material ResourcesProgrammingManagement of Financial Resources
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsDesignMathematicsEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and SecurityProduction and ProcessingTransportationAdministrativePhysicsChemistryLaw and GovernmentAdministration and ManagementCommunications and MediaPersonnel and Human ResourcesEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPsychologyForeign LanguageGeographyBuilding and ConstructionPhilosophy and TheologySociology and AnthropologyMedicine and DentistryHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsBiologyTherapy and CounselingFood Production
Technology & tools
Apache HTTP ServerAutodesk AutoCADAvionics system testing softwareC++Computer diagnostic softwareDassault Systemes CATIAEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareLinuxMaintenance record softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordOperating system softwareOracle JavaSAP softwareSoftware development toolsSpreadsheet softwareTechnical Data Management System TDMSUNIXWord processing softwareWorkday software
Representative tasks
Documenting/Recording InformationUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeGetting InformationRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsWorking with ComputersEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsTraining and Teaching OthersProcessing InformationMonitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsControlling Machines and ProcessesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentAnalyzing Data or InformationHandling and Moving ObjectsJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeoplePerforming General Physical ActivitiesDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersThinking CreativelyProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationDeveloping and Building TeamsCoaching and Developing OthersScheduling Work and ActivitiesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming Administrative ActivitiesGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesAssisting and Caring for OthersMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersSelling or Influencing OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the Public
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Basic hand tools and soldering irons — identify and handle under direct supervision during introductory aircraft electrical assembly tasks.Circuit testers and voltmeters — apply to perform simple continuity checks on avionics components under technician guidance in a maintenance bay.Wiring diagrams and blueprints — read and interpret basic schematics to locate specified components under close supervision on a training aircraft.Maintenance log entries — record routine inspection findings using standard forms under direct oversight in an FAA-regulated repair facility.Electrical and electronic components — install prefabricated assemblies into aircraft panels using hand tools following step-by-step procedural checklists.Safety protocols and personal protective equipment — follow established procedures to protect personnel and equipment in a live avionics shop environment.Junction boxes and switch assemblies — assemble discrete subcomponents using hand tools and soldering irons under mentor direction on the bench.Ground support test equipment — set up under supervision and observe functional checks of basic electrical systems on parked aircraft.Technical manuals and maintenance documentation — locate and reference relevant sections to support assigned repair tasks in a structured training environment.Component identification skills — recognize and classify common avionics parts such as inverters, magnetos, and connectors during guided shop orientation.
developing
Oscilloscopes and voltmeters — operate independently to test and troubleshoot malfunctioning avionics instruments and circuit assemblies in a certificated repair station.Malfunctioning components and assemblies — diagnose faults and perform adjustments or replacements using hand tools and soldering irons with minimal supervisory oversight.Radio systems and instrument connections — complete wiring and connector installations to manufacturer specifications using hand tools in a production maintenance environment.Maintenance and repair records — maintain accurate, compliant documentation of all work performed in accordance with FAA Part 43 requirements.Ground support and test equipment — configure and operate to conduct functional flight-readiness checks of avionics systems on commercial or general aviation aircraft.Wiring installation layouts — plan and execute component routing following blueprints and wiring diagrams for aircraft modification or repair projects.Quality control checklists — apply to verify that repaired or installed assemblies meet airworthiness standards before returning aircraft to service.ERP and spreadsheet software — enter and track parts usage, labor hours, and maintenance schedules in a shop management system.Troubleshooting logic — apply systematic diagnostic reasoning to isolate intermittent electrical faults across familiar avionics system architectures.Time management practices — prioritize and sequence concurrent maintenance tasks to meet aircraft return-to-service deadlines in a fast-paced MRO environment.
proficient
Complex avionics system faults — troubleshoot autonomously across multiple interdependent subsystems using oscilloscopes, circuit testers, and analytical software in an airline or defense MRO setting.Non-routine component failures — evaluate, repair, or engineer alternative solutions for unscheduled malfunctions with full accountability for airworthiness outcomes.Full aircraft avionics installation projects — plan and execute layout, installation, and interconnection of complete systems including in-flight refueling and communications equipment.Functional flight test procedures — set up, operate, and evaluate ground support test equipment to validate system performance against engineering specifications.CAD and analytical software — utilize to interpret advanced engineering documentation and support avionics system integration on complex aircraft platforms.Inductive and deductive reasoning — apply to identify root causes of systemic recurring defects and recommend corrective actions across a fleet.Telecommunications and navigation systems — integrate, calibrate, and certify avionics upgrades ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft architectures.Regulatory compliance standards — assess maintenance practices against FAA, EASA, or military airworthiness regulations and implement corrective measures independently.Technical reports and disposition documents — author detailed written findings and repair justifications for engineering review and regulatory submission.Peer coordination — lead collaborative troubleshooting sessions with other technicians and engineers to resolve high-complexity avionics discrepancies.
advanced
Avionics maintenance programs and standards — develop and implement shop-wide quality control frameworks aligned with evolving FAA or DoD airworthiness directives.Technician workforce development — design and deliver structured mentorship, on-the-job training, and competency assessment programs to build organizational capability.Fleet-wide avionics reliability data — analyze trends using ERP and analytical software to drive systemic improvements in maintenance planning and parts procurement.Complex avionics modification projects — lead cross-functional teams of engineers, planners, and technicians through STC or military modification program execution.Technical documentation systems — establish and govern configuration management of maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and engineering orders across an organization.Regulatory authority relationships — represent the organization in FAA, EASA, or DCMA audits and lead corrective action plan development in response to findings.Ground support equipment strategy — evaluate, procure, and standardize test equipment capabilities to support current and next-generation avionics platforms across a facility.Safety culture and risk mitigation — champion a proactive human-factors safety culture and establish reporting systems that prevent avionics-related incidents at organizational scale.Budget and resource planning — direct labor, tooling, and capital expenditure decisions for avionics maintenance operations to meet organizational efficiency and safety targets.Industry knowledge dissemination — present technical findings, best practices, and lessons learned at industry forums or internal leadership venues to advance the profession.
Also known as
34 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Aircraft Armament MechanicAircraft Avionics Tech (Aircraft Avionics Technician)Aircraft Electrical Systems SpecialistAircraft ElectricianAircraft Instrument MechanicAircraft TechnicianAirplane Electrical RepairerAirplane ElectricianAirplane TechnicianAutomatic Pilot MechanicAviation Electrical TechnicianAviation ElectricianAviation Electronics TechnicianAviation Maintenance TechnicianAvionics Electronics TechnicianAvionics InstallerAvionics Systems Integration SpecialistAvionics Systems RepairerAvionics Technician (Avionics Tech)Composite TechnicianElectrical Aircraft MechanicElectrical and Radio Aircraft MechanicElectrical and Radio MechanicElectrical InstallerElectronic TechnicianEngineering Technician (Engineering Tech)Instrument SpecialistInstrument TesterMissile Facilities RepairerMobile Electronics InstallerRepair TechnicianTest TechnicianWirerWiring Tech (Wiring Technician)