Avionics Technician Salary 2025: $82,280 Median, How to Start & Job Growth
Avionics Technicians — the specialists who maintain aircraft electronics — earn a median of $82,280 per year, or about $40 per hour. Mean annual pay hits $83,380. The typical range spans from $49,410 at the 10th percentile to $113,680 at the 90th, so high earners pull in six figures.
The occupation covers everything from radar and navigation systems to flight controls and communications gear. Unlike general aircraft mechanics, avionics techs focus on the electronic brain of the plane. Pay varies sharply by state and industry, and demand is strong.
How much Avionics Technicians earn
National median salary: $82,280 (mean $83,380, about $40/hour). The typical range (10th–90th percentile) runs from $49,410 to $113,680. Top earners break $113,000. Bottom 10% earn under $50,000.
Pay depends on experience, certifications, and industry. The best-paid sectors include scheduled air transportation and the federal government. Geographic location is a major factor.
Pay by state
Highest-paying states: Pennsylvania ($117,470), New Jersey ($100,250), Maryland ($97,490), Alabama ($95,920), Alaska ($94,810). Pennsylvania's figure may surprise you — it tops the list partly due to a concentration of specialized avionics work at military and commercial hubs.
Lowest-paying states: Minnesota ($55,660), Arkansas ($54,160), Kentucky ($42,440). The spread exceeds $75,000 between the highest and lowest states, so where you work matters enormously.
How to become Avionics Technician
Most avionics technicians learn through a mix of education and on-the-job experience. Typical paths include an associate degree in avionics or aviation electronics, or training via the military. Some enter through an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) program and then specialize.
Key steps:
- 1. Earn a high school diploma (math, electronics, and physics help).
- 2. Complete an avionics or aviation maintenance program at a community college or technical school — typically 1–2 years for a certificate or associate degree.
- 3. Pass FAA written, oral, and practical exams for Airframe or Powerplant certification, or for an FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL). Many employers prefer or require an A&P license.
- 4. Gain experience through an apprenticeship or entry-level mechanic role; avionics specialization often comes after general maintenance work.
- 5. Pursue voluntary NCATT (National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies) certification to boost credentials.
Job outlook
Employment of avionics technicians is projected to grow 8.2% from 2024 to 2034 — much faster than the average for all occupations. That translates to about 1,800 job openings each year over the decade. Much of the demand comes from replacing retiring workers and from growing complexity of aircraft electronics.
Current employment stands at 18,830 nationwide. With new aircraft using more advanced avionics systems, technicians who keep up with digital technology will have the best prospects.
Frequently asked questions
What is the salary of an Avionics Technician in 2025?
The national median annual wage is $82,280, with a typical range of $49,410 to $113,680. Mean hourly wage is about $40.
How do you become an Avionics Technician?
Most start with an associate degree in avionics or aviation electronics, plus FAA Airframe and/or Powerplant certification. Military training is another common path. On-the-job training and voluntary NCATT certification can boost advancement.
Is avionics technician a good career?
Yes — above-average pay (median $82,280) and strong growth (8.2% projected, much faster than average) with about 1,800 openings per year. The work is technical and hands-on, and demand is steady.
Salary figures are U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates (OEWS / Employment Projections). For informational purposes only; not career or financial advice. See the full Avionics Technicians data.