Job Expectations and Salaries in Avionics

Avionics technicians have many job opportunities across the United States and even around the world. Some positions are with national and international airlines, government services, research and development companies, and the military. Annual salaries can range from $25,000 to $100,000 depending on training and experience.

As many people in avionics are reaching retirement age, companies may be making better benefit packages and seeking to have the newest technologies in order to attract well-trained technicians in avionics. National and international passenger airlines will most likely continue to have the best benefits and pay, and will continue to have their choice of avionic technicians. Scientific research and development companies are among the best paying for avionics technicians, but national and international airlines usually offer more benefits.

Avionics technicians can increase their marketability by having experience with turboprop and an ability to get a secret security clearance. Being certified in airframe and powerplant mechanics (A&P mechanics) is especially important. Without this certification and without experience, avionic technicians may earn only between $25,000 and $30,000 a year. Most people in avionics with experience and A&P certification can expect to have a salary between $40,000 and $50,000 a year.

Those in avionics who pursue bachelor's degrees have increased job expectations and increased salaries in avionics. A degree along with specialized computer skills in avionics, managerial skills, excellent communication skills, and over 20 years of experience can greatly increase salaries. Someone with these qualifications could make up to $100,000 a year.

Companies that manufacture aerospace products and parts employ many in avionics as do companies that manufacture navigational and control instruments as well as airlines. Annual salaries in avionics with these companies average from about $44,000 to almost $55,000.

Commercial airlines and government services such as air mail carriers offer a wide variety of choices for employment opportunities. The military also offers worldwide locations along with paid training.

Small commuter airlines in both small and large cities across the United States will always be in need of specialists in avionics. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) repair stations will also be places for job opportunities in avionics.

States such as Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Utah may be where many skilled in avionics find employment because of the many opportunities. The average annual salaries for these states are about from $40,000 to $50,000.

States with higher pay and perhaps higher competition for jobs in avionics as well are Alaska, Hawaii, Indiana, New Jersey, and Ohio, with average annual salaries from about $54,000 to $58,000. Honolulu, Hawaii is the city that pays the best salaries in avionics in the United States.

Qualified, skilled technicians in avionics should have a variety of positions to choose from in many different locations and may even see increasingly better benefit packages provided by the hiring companies. Those in avionics willing to relocate for a job most often will find the hiring company providing every service for the move. Those who are A&P certified and have years of experience can expect to make the best salaries and have successful careers.