CareerFacts

All careers › Avionics Technicians

Avionics technician: pay, job outlook and how to become one

Updated October 26, 2026. Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET data. Published by Humblebee.

$82,280median pay per year, or $39.56 an hour, May 2025[1]
  1. $49,410lowest 10% earn less
  2. $63,90025th percentile
  3. $82,280median
  4. $99,11075th percentile
  5. $113,680top 10% earn more
Middle half of workers in the inner band[5]Median for all US jobs, $50,980[2]

Avionics technicians earned a median wage well above the median for all occupations[1][2]. Jobs are projected to grow faster than the all-occupations rate through 2035[3][4].

Job growth, 2025–35
+9.4%[3]
Openings per year
1,700[6]
Typical entry education
Postsecondary nondegree award[7]

How much do avionics technicians make?

The median pay for avionics technicians was $82,280 a year, or $39.56 an hour[1]. Half of the people in the job earned more than that and half earned less[8]. The average was $83,380 a year, or $40.09 an hour[9]. For all occupations in the US, the median was $50,980 a year[2].

The range is wide. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $49,410 a year, and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $113,680[5]. BLS does not publish a starting salary, so these percentiles say nothing about who sits where[8].

Level Annual wage Hourly wage
10th percentile[5][10] $49,410 $23.75
25th percentile[5][10] $63,900 $30.72
Median[1] $82,280 $39.56
75th percentile[5][10] $99,110 $47.65
90th percentile[5][10] $113,680 $54.65

These figures cover wage and salary workers. They leave out the self-employed, nonproduction bonuses and the cost of benefits such as health insurance[11]. About 18,830 people worked as avionics technicians in this count[12].

Pay by state and city

Among the 42 states with published data, Pennsylvania had the highest median at $117,470, then New Jersey at $100,250 and Maryland at $97,490[13]. Pennsylvania's figure rests on about 70 jobs, so it describes a small group[13].

The jobs are concentrated in a few places. Washington had the most at 3,400, followed by Florida (2,400), Georgia (1,820), Texas (1,710) and California (1,220)[14]. Washington's median was $91,380[13].

Among metro areas with at least 100 jobs, the highest medians were in Tulsa, OK ($108,840), Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA ($107,370) and Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC ($101,880)[15]. Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA had the most jobs by far, at 2,880, with a median of $100,200[16].

Show median pay in 42 states
StateMedian per yearJobs
Pennsylvania[13]$117,47070
New Jersey$100,250260
Maryland$97,490160
Alabama$95,920910
Alaska$94,81050
New Mexico$94,020n/a
California$92,4801,220
Washington$91,3803,400
Massachusetts$89,34040
New Hampshire$86,83030
Hawaii$86,26090
Virginia$85,660250
Wyoming$84,360n/a
Oregon$83,830140
Florida$83,8002,400
South Dakota$83,22040
New York$83,150130
Texas$81,9501,710
South Carolina$81,720270
Illinois$81,170300
Idaho$80,62080
Louisiana$80,250200
Nevada$80,04050
Arizona$79,770600
Georgia$79,0601,820
Colorado$79,000220
North Carolina$78,710520
Indiana$76,77060
Missouri$71,52090
Oklahoma$70,640530
Mississippi$65,830160
Utah$65,270180
Wisconsin$65,230130
Tennessee$60,820480
Ohio$60,080160
North Dakota$59,90080
Kansas$59,810170
Michigan$58,280300
Montana$57,420n/a
Minnesota$55,660n/a
Arkansas$54,160100
Kentucky$42,440n/a

How to become an avionics technician

The training details below come from a BLS profile that covers avionics technicians together with other related occupations, so it describes the wider group[17].

In an ONET survey of 28 workers, 50% said a post-secondary certificate was the education required[26]. Another 18% named a high school diploma or equivalent, 16% an associate's degree and 12% some college courses[26]. ONET places the job in Job Zone Three, medium preparation[27].

With experience, workers in the wider group might become lead mechanics, lead inspectors or shop supervisors[28].

What avionics technicians do

Avionics technicians install, inspect, test, adjust and repair electronic equipment such as radar, radio and navigation systems in aircraft or space vehicles[29]. Typical tasks include:

The BLS profile notes that the work calls for attention to detail, since parts must be adjusted to exact specifications[31].

Where they work

In the wider BLS group, people work in hangars, repair stations or on airfields, often near major airports[32]. Aerospace product and parts manufacturing was the largest employer, at 36% of the group's jobs[33]. Some work outdoors on the airfield and some work in climate-controlled shops and hangars. The job can mean crouching, lying down or reaching overhead for long periods[34]. Scaffolds, ladders, noise and vibration are also part of the work[35]. The work can be stressful at times because of strict safety standards and deadlines[36].

Most in the wider group work full time, with 8- or 10-hour shifts that can include nights, weekends and holidays[37]. About 4.2% of avionics technicians were self-employed in 2025[38].

Job outlook

BLS projects employment of avionics technicians to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 19,800 to 21,600 jobs[3]. For all occupations, the projected growth is 3.5%[4]. That projection count includes self-employed workers[3].

BLS also projects about 1,700 openings a year on average[6]. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs[6]. Each year, 2.6% of workers leave the labor force and 4.8% move to a different occupation[39].

Is it a good fit?

The facts point to a job with pay well above the all-occupations median and growth projected above the all-occupations rate[1][2][3][4]. Entry usually runs through postsecondary training[7], and FAA rules require aircraft maintenance to be done by a certified mechanic or under one's supervision[21]. The work involves hangars or airfields, shift work that can include nights and weekends, and some physical strain[34][37]. Jobs are concentrated in a handful of states, so where you live affects how many openings are near you[14]. A related job, aircraft mechanics and service technicians, had a median of $79,870 and projected growth of 5.4%[40].

Related occupations from O*NET, with BLS median pay and projected growth[40].

Frequently asked questions

How much does an avionics technician make an hour?
The median was $39.56 an hour in May 2025[1]. The lowest-paid 10% earned less than $23.75 an hour and the highest-paid 10% earned more than $54.65[10].
What education do you need to be an avionics technician?
The typical entry education is a postsecondary nondegree award[7]. Some people in the wider group begin with a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military[19][20].
Is avionics technician a growing job?
BLS projects 9.4% growth from 2025 to 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations[3][4]. It also projects about 1,700 openings a year[6].
What is the highest paying state for avionics technicians?
Pennsylvania had the highest median at $117,470, based on about 70 jobs[13]. New Jersey ($100,250) and Maryland ($97,490) followed[13].
Which states have the most avionics technician jobs?
Washington had the most at 3,400, then Florida (2,400), Georgia (1,820), Texas (1,710) and California (1,220)[14].

Facts and sources

  1. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median wage for Avionics Technicians in the US was $82,280 per year and $39.56 per hour. Half of workers earned more and half earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  2. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the median annual wage for all occupations in the US was $50,980. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  3. BLS Employment Projections: employment of Avionics Technicians is projected to grow 9.4% from 2025 to 2035, from about 19,800 to 21,600 jobs (a change of +1,900). These counts include self-employed workers. BLS Employment Projections
  4. BLS Employment Projections: employment in all occupations is projected to grow 3.5% from 2025 to 2035. BLS Employment Projections
  5. BLS OEWS, May 2025, annual wage percentiles for Avionics Technicians: 10th percentile $49,410, 25th percentile $63,900, 75th percentile $99,110, 90th percentile $113,680. The 10th percentile means 10% of workers earned less. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  6. BLS Employment Projections: about 1,700 openings for Avionics Technicians are projected each year, on average, from 2025 to 2035. Openings include jobs that open when workers retire or move to other occupations, not only new jobs. BLS Employment Projections
  7. BLS Employment Projections, typical path into Avionics Technicians: education needed for entry: Postsecondary nondegree award; work experience in a related occupation: None; typical on-the-job training: None. BLS Employment Projections
  8. BLS OEWS FAQ: a percentile wage is a boundary. The median (50th percentile) separates the highest-paid 50% from the lowest-paid 50% of workers in the occupation. OEWS publishes percentile wages, not a starting salary. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  9. BLS OEWS, May 2025: the mean (average) wage for Avionics Technicians was $83,380 per year and $40.09 per hour. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  10. BLS OEWS, May 2025, hourly wage percentiles for Avionics Technicians: 10th percentile $23.75, 25th percentile $30.72, 75th percentile $47.65, 90th percentile $54.65. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  11. BLS OEWS FAQ: OEWS covers part-time and full-time workers paid a wage or salary. It does not cover the self-employed, owners and partners in unincorporated firms, household workers or unpaid family workers. OEWS wages do not include nonproduction bonuses or employer costs of benefits such as health insurance or retirement contributions. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  12. BLS OEWS, May 2025: about 18,830 people were employed as Avionics Technicians in the US (wage and salary jobs, not counting self-employed workers). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  13. Median annual wage for Avionics Technicians in every state with published data, May 2025 (table on this page). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  14. BLS OEWS, May 2025, states with the most Avionics Technicians jobs: Washington 3,400; Florida 2,400; Georgia 1,820; Texas 1,710; California 1,220. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  15. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the highest median annual wage for Avionics Technicians (areas with at least 100 jobs): Tulsa, OK $108,840; Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA $107,370; Charlotte-Concord-Gastonia, NC-SC $101,880; Mobile, AL $100,220; Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA $100,200; Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV $99,420; New York-Newark-Jersey City, NY-NJ $98,630; Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA $98,020. BLS OEWS, May 2025
  16. BLS OEWS, May 2025, metro areas with the most Avionics Technicians jobs: Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA 2,880 (median $100,200); Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX 870 (median $87,090); Miami-Fort Lauderdale-West Palm Beach, FL 750 (median $85,870); Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA 650 (median $89,180); Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA 500 (median $98,020); Phoenix-Mesa-Chandler, AZ 340 (median $78,690). BLS OEWS, May 2025
  17. The BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook profile "Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians" covers Avionics Technicians together with other related occupations, so its text describes the wider group. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  18. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  19. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  20. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  21. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  22. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Education and Training. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  23. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  24. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  25. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  26. O*NET 49-2091.00 survey of workers (28 respondents), education level they say is required: Post-Secondary Certificate 50%, High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) 18%, Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree 16%, Some College Courses 12% (levels under 5% not listed). O*NET OnLine
  27. O*NET 49-2091.00: Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. 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. O*NET OnLine
  28. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Advancement. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  29. O*NET description of Avionics Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  30. O*NET task list for Avionics Technicians. O*NET OnLine
  31. Occupational Outlook Handbook, How to Become One: Important Qualities. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  32. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  33. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, largest employers of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians in 2025: Aerospace product and parts manufacturing 36%. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  34. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  35. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Injuries and Illnesses. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  36. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  37. Occupational Outlook Handbook, Work Environment: Work Schedules. BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook
  38. BLS Employment Projections: 4.2% of Avionics Technicians were self-employed in 2025. BLS Employment Projections
  39. BLS Employment Projections, 2025-35 annual average for Avionics Technicians: 2.6% of workers leave the labor force each year and 4.8% move to a different occupation. BLS Employment Projections
  40. Related occupations (O*NET) with BLS pay, growth and entry education. O*NET OnLine

Notes are for reading the data only. They are not facts and cannot be cited: use the wage_scope and percentile_meaning facts instead. OEWS employment (jobs in May 2025) and Employment Projections employment (2025, includes self-employed) are different measures and can differ. O*NET education shares come from a small survey of workers in the occupation, not from all workers. The Occupational Outlook Handbook text covers a wider group of occupations than this page.

This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerFacts has modified all or some of this information. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.