Avionics Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Avionics Technicians fall under the Installation, Maintenance, and Repair category in the U.S. occupational classification. Avionics Technicians earn a median salary of $82,280 per year, ranking in the top 25% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +9.4% job growth through 2035, projected to grow faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires an apprenticeship, technical certification, or postsecondary training, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do avionics technicians earn?

The median annual wage for avionics technicians is $82,280. That puts avionics technicians at #204 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is avionics technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for avionics technicians is +9.4%, projected to grow faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 19K positions in 2024 to 21K in 2034, a net change of 2K. Faster-than-average growth means hiring is consistently outpacing the labor market overall. New entrants generally find their first roles faster than peers in stable fields.

What education does my child need to become avionics technician?

Avionics Technicians typically enter the field through a formal apprenticeship, technical certification, or vocational training program — a strong fit for teens who prefer hands-on learning over traditional college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  $79,870 median
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairers
  $79,860 median
• Control and Valve Installers and Repairers, Except Mechanical Door
  $74,340 median
• Telecommunications Line Installers and Repairers
  $74,330 median
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  $74,090 median
• Commercial Divers
  $72,990 median

Common questions parents ask about avionics technicians