Avionics technician
Also known as: line technician, aircraft electro-mechanic technician, aircraft electronics mechanic, avionics systems technician, avionics mechanic, avionics installation technician
About this occupation
Avionics technicians install, test, inspect and adjust electrical and electronic equipment such as navigation, communication and flight control systems in aircraft and spacecraft. They carry out maintenance and repair work. They perform functional tests, diagnose problems and take corrective action.
Essential skills and knowledge
- common aviation safety regulations
- read standard blueprints
- solder electronics
- electrical wiring plans
- electrical systems used in transportation
- electronics principles
- operate soldering equipment
- wear appropriate protective gear
- install electrical and electronic equipment
- electrical engineering
- electricity
- aircraft flight control systems
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Avionics Technicians (O*NET 49-2091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- 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.
- Typical education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Preparation
- Job Zone 3 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Investigative
Top skills: Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, Critical Thinking, Operations Monitoring, Quality Control Analysis
US median pay: US$82,280 a year (2025), 18,830 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsVery important (4.4)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyVery important (3.6)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignImportant (3.4)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsImportant (3.4)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Post-Secondary Certificate
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
- Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
- Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
- Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
- Calibration Technologists and Technicians
- Electromechanical Equipment Assemblers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. 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. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.