Important Facts About Careers in Avionics
| | Avionics Technician | Avionics Designer |
|---|
| Work Environment | Factories, hangars, and airfields | Offices and laboratories, but may also visit airfields for inspections |
| Similar Occupations | Mechanical engineering technician, Electro-mechanical technician | Mechanical engineer, aerospace engineer |
| Specializations | Engines, hydraulic systems, electrical systems, or particular aircraft like helicopters or fighter jets | Electric motors, radar and navigation systems, communications systems, power generation equipment |
| Key Skills | Physical endurance, problem-solving skills, observance and detail-oriented | Understanding of complex mathematical concepts and an ability to communicate effectively in-person or via written instructions |
Avionics Technicians
Avionics technicians repair and maintain all types of avionics systems. Besides simply repairing, they may have to develop procedures to deal with difficult electronic problems. In addition to repairing equipment, avionics technicians perform a lot of preventative maintenance. They inspect parts and systems for malfunctions and keep detailed logs of anything found or performed.
Education, Job Outlook, and Earnings
In addition to education, many avionics technicians choose to acquire a mechanic's license from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Additional licenses and training may be required, such as a radiotelephone license.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, www.bls.gov), the employment of avionics technicians is expected to grow 5% between 2021 and 2031, which is as fast as the national average. Median annual earnings for avionics technicians were $69,280 as of May 2021, per the BLS.
Avionics Designers
Designers of avionics equipment are essentially electronic engineers and electronic engineering technicians. Electronics engineers are in charge of designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing the avionic equipment. Electronic engineering technicians assist engineers.
Education, Job Outlook, and Earnings
A four-year bachelor's degree in electrical or electronic engineering is usually the minimum amount of education required for electronic engineers. Electronic engineering technicians generally complete a two-year associate's degree program in electrical or electronic engineering technology.
According to the BLS, the job outlook for electronic engineers and electronic engineering technicians is projected to be 0% and 6% respectively from 2021-2031. Median annual earnings for electronic engineers were $104,820 in May 2021, per the BLS, while electronic engineering technicians earned a median annual salary of $63,640 the same year.
