How much does a avionics technician make?
Answer: A typical avionics technician in the United States makes $82,280 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 19,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Avionics technician pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| 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 |
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.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a avionics technician do?
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
What's a typical day like?
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.
How to get this job
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.
Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)
Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
Avionics technicians may also install, test, and repair electronics on uncrewed aircraft—drones—not just aircraft with pilots.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Installation, Maintenance, and Repair jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
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