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Avionics Technician

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What is an Avionics Technician?

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

Daily Life Of an Avionics Technician

  • 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.
  • Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
  • Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
  • Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Keep records of maintenance and repair work.

Things an Avionics Technician Should Know How to Do

Avionics Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

Repairing: Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Troubleshooting: Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Equipment Maintenance: Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

  • Instrument Specialist
  • Wirer
  • Mobile Electronics Installer
  • Electrical Installer
  • Avionics Systems Integration Specialist

Is There Going to be Demand for Avionics Technicians?

There were about 17,500 jobs for Avionics Technician in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.3% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 1,100 new jobs for Avionics Technician by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,500 job openings in this field each year.

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The states with the most job growth for Avionics Technician are Alabama, Nevada, and Georgia. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or Tennessee. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

How Much Does an Avionics Technician Make?

The average yearly salary of an Avionics Technician ranges between $39,940 and $94,710.

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Avionics Technicians who work in Maryland, Massachusetts, or California, make the highest salaries.

Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Avionics Technicians in different U.S. states.

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $55,370
Alaska $71,070
Arizona $66,330
Arkansas $56,130
California $70,710
Colorado $61,030
Delaware $59,680
Florida $61,730
Georgia $66,630
Hawaii $69,370
Idaho $50,570
Illinois $60,240
Indiana $59,190
Kansas $60,530
Kentucky $62,060
Louisiana $51,900
Maryland $73,110
Massachusetts $70,190
Minnesota $57,540
Mississippi $57,680
Missouri $68,920
Nevada $65,360
New Jersey $71,360
New Mexico $58,460
New York $67,550
North Carolina $56,750
Ohio $50,410
Oklahoma $58,760
Oregon $69,330
Pennsylvania $66,090
South Carolina $60,990
Tennessee $61,390
Texas $56,680
Utah $59,530
Virginia $64,520
Wisconsin $54,470

What Tools & Technology do Avionics Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Avionics Technicians:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Data entry software
  • Word processing software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Linux
  • UNIX
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Enterprise resource planning ERP software
  • SAP software
  • Software development tools
  • Maintenance record software
  • Apache Webserver
  • C++
  • Computer diagnostic software

How do I Become an Avionics Technician?

Education needed to be an Avionics Technician:

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How Long Does it Take to Become an Avionics Technician?

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Who Employs Avionics Technicians?

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Below are examples of industries where Avionics Technicians work:

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Those who work as an Avionics Technician sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Airman 1st Class Nigel Sandridge via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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