How much does an avionics technician make?
a year · about $40 an hour
A typical avionics technician in the United States makes $82,280 a year, about $40 an hour, about 1.6× a typical US worker (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
What do they do?
They read wiring diagrams, inspect radios or navigation gear, and use meters and oscilloscopes to find faults. Then they repair or replace parts, test the system, and record the work.
Did you know? Avionics technicians may also install, test, and repair electronics on uncrewed aircraft—drones—not just aircraft with pilots.
Is that a lot?
Compared with jobs you knowIf 100 people had this job
Most earn between $49,410 and $113,680How do you become one?
After high school, train at an FAA-approved aviation school (18–24 months), in the military, or on the job. The U.S. has no FAA avionics-only certificate; mechanic certification requires age 18 and written, oral, and practical exams.
School needed: Vocational school or a few years' experience
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized
Why does pay differ?
In the U.S., avionics technicians may earn more with experience, in-demand skills, and credentials that employers value; difficult or specialized systems can bring more responsibility. Pay also varies by employer and industry, location, and hours or shifts.
Where does it pay most?
Highest in Alabama ($95,920), lowest in Oklahoma ($70,640).
See every state
Top 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
Jobs like this
Data table and sources
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $49,410 | $82,280 | $113,680 | about 19,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama | $95,920 | about 910 |
| California | $92,480 | about 1,000 |
| Washington | $91,380 | about 3,000 |
| Florida | $83,800 | about 2,000 |
| Texas | $81,950 | about 2,000 |
Official definition: Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/aircraft-and-avionics-equipm
- www.onetonline.org/link/details/49-2091.00
- www.faa.gov/education/about/how-become-aviation-maintenance-or-avionics-technici
- www.bls.gov/careeroutlook/2015/article/wage-differences.htm
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY