How much does an avionics technician make?

The median pay in the United States is $82,280 a year (BLS OEWS May 2025).

How to become an avionics technician

Q: How do I become an avionics technician?

The typical entry-level education is most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree..

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

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

$82,280Median pay a year

Steps to get there

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

What avionics technicians do

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.

Skills that matter most

Critical Thinking
Active Listening
Speaking
Reading Comprehension
Writing
Monitoring
Active Learning
Science

Is avionics technician a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 61% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

Pennsylvania $117,470
New Jersey $100,250
Maryland $97,490
Alabama $95,920
Alaska $94,810

Avionics Technicians salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.