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
RepairingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive Listening
Knowledge areas
Computers and ElectronicsMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Portal server softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareObject or component oriented development softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP software
Representative tasks
Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes,Keep records of maintenance and repair work.Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irPerform installation, testing, adjustment, and repair of avionics equipment in uncrewed aerial vehicles, such as drones.
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
37 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Composite TechnicianAircraft Armament MechanicInstrument SpecialistElectrician, AircraftAircraft Electrical Systems SpecialistMissile Facilities RepairerElectronic TechnicianElectrical and Radio Aircraft MechanicIn-Flight Refueling System RepairerInstrument TesterAviation Maintenance TechnicianTest TechnicianAutomatic Pilot MechanicAircraft Avionics Tech (Aircraft Avionics Technician)Electrical InstallerMobile Electronics InstallerAviation Electrical TechnicianWiring Tech (Wiring Technician)Aircraft Instrument MechanicAvionics Systems Integration SpecialistElectrical and Radio MechanicAvionics Technician (Avionics Tech)Repair TechnicianAirplane ElectricianAirplane TechnicianEngineering Technician (Engineering Tech)Avionics InstallerAviation Electronics TechnicianAviation ElectricianAvionics Systems RepairerAircraft TechnicianAircraft ElectricianWirerAircraft Mechanic, Electrical and RadioElectrical Aircraft MechanicAirplane Electrical RepairerAvionics Electronics Technician