Avionics Technician
The brains behind every cockpit
Overview
Avionics technicians specialize in the electronic nervous system of aircraft — navigation, communication, radar, autopilot, flight management systems, and increasingly, software-defined systems. As cockpits go fully digital and NextGen air traffic management rolls out, the demand for technicians who understand both electronics and aviation has surged. The field is transforming from hardware specialist to AI-hardware-software systems integrator — Integrated Modular Avionics (IMA) on the 787 and A350, AI sensor fusion in the F-35, and predictive avionics diagnostics are now standard. Technicians who bridge electronics and AI command a ceiling of $130K+ versus the traditional $90K.
Career Progression
Electronics Foundation
Build a base in circuits, soldering, and digital logic through coursework, hobby projects, or a pre-apprenticeship program.
Avionics Training Program
Complete an FAA Part 147 program with an avionics emphasis, a dedicated avionics school, or a military avionics MOS. Typically 18–24 months.
FCC License & A&P Certificate
Earn your General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) and, ideally, your Airframe & Powerplant certificate for maximum employability.
Entry-Level Avionics Tech
Install and troubleshoot avionics systems at an airline, MRO, or avionics shop. Starting pay typically $50–65K.
Specialized Technician
Focus on a niche: glass cockpit upgrades, autopilot systems, radar, or specific aircraft types. Specialists command higher pay.
Lead Tech / Avionics Engineer
Supervise avionics shops, design installations, or move into engineering roles. Senior techs at airlines earn $90K+.
Key Facts
How to Get Started
Actionable steps you can take right now — no degree required.
Learn electronics fundamentals
Start with basic circuits, soldering, and Arduino projects. Understanding voltage, current, and digital logic is the foundation.
Read more →02Research avionics training programs
Look for FAA Part 147 schools with avionics specializations, dedicated avionics programs, or community college electronics programs.
Read more →03Get your FCC license
The General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is required for many avionics positions. Study materials are free online.
Read more →04Explore military avionics paths
The Air Force, Navy, and Army all train avionics technicians. Military experience plus GI Bill funding is a powerful combination.
Read more →05Prepare for AI-enabled avionics
Software-defined avionics, AI sensor fusion, and predictive diagnostics are redefining the field. Technicians who understand these systems command top pay.
Read more →Student Project Ideas
Hands-on projects related to this career path — pick your level.
Hands-on projects for students with basic math and science. No prior coding experience required — every project walks you through setup from scratch.
Browse Projects →Undergraduate2 projectsEngineering and CS projects for college students. Expect to work with real industry tools, write substantial code, and produce results you can show in interviews.
Browse Projects →Advanced2 projectsResearch-grade projects for grad students and ambitious undergrads. These involve cutting-edge techniques like PINNs, reinforcement learning, and multi-sensor fusion.
Browse Projects →Try These Projects
Build an Aerospace Data Logger in C
Write embedded C firmware to capture atmospheric data during a weather balloon or drone flight.
UndergraduateCubeSat Flight Software with F Prime
Build the command and data handling brain of a CubeSat using NASA's own framework.
AdvancedMISRA-Compliant ADCS Software in C++
Write flight-grade attitude control code that meets aerospace safety standards
High SchoolTrack Nearby Aircraft with ADS-B and Visualize Patterns
Tap into live aircraft data and discover hidden flight patterns
UndergraduateClassify Aircraft Types from ADS-B Trajectories
Identify what's flying overhead from how it flies
AdvancedRadar Target Classification with Deep Learning
Classify drones, birds, and aircraft from synthetic radar signatures
Explore Further
Deep dives into the topics that shape this career path.
Post-Secondary Education
Every pathway into aerospace starts with the right program
Explore →Military & Government
The backbone of American aerospace — and the most funded pathway in
Explore →Tools & Platforms
The software that aerospace engineers actually use — and how students access it free
Explore →Internships
Your hands-on entry point into aerospace
Explore →Professional Associations & Organizations
The networks, scholarships, and communities that accelerate aerospace careers
Explore →Companies Hiring in This Field
21 companies connected to this career pathway.
Alaska Airlines
LargeSeattle-area airline that bought Hawaiian Airlines in 2024; with regional sister Horizon Air it runs Ascend Pilot Academy and paid pilot and mechanic development programs.
Has internship programAmerican Airlines
LargeMajor U.S. airline based in Fort Worth, with a Cadet Academy for new pilots, three wholly owned regional airlines, and a large maintenance base in Tulsa.
BAE Systems
PrimeGlobal defense, aerospace, and security company providing advanced electronics, intelligence, and security solutions.
Has internship programCollins Aerospace
PrimeDesigns and manufactures aerospace components, avionics, and mission systems for aircraft and space platforms.
Has internship programDelta Air Lines
LargeMajor U.S. airline based in Atlanta, with a named pilot career path (Propel) and an in-house maintenance organization, Delta TechOps.
Has internship programEmbraer
LargeBrazilian aircraft maker that assembles Phenom and Praetor business jets in Melbourne, Florida and runs U.S. maintenance centers including Nashville and Macon.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
PrimeU.S. civil aviation regulator and operator of the national air traffic control system; the employer of nearly all U.S. air traffic controllers.
Has internship programFedEx
LargeMemphis-based package carrier operating one of the world's largest cargo airlines, with the Purple Runway pilot pathway and a feeder network where pilots build time.
Has internship program