Avionics technicians
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
BLS SOC 49-2091 · O*NET-SOC 49-2091.00 · BLS 2025–2035 · O*NET 31.0
Median annual wage, 2025
$82,280
Projected change, 2025–2035
9.4%
2025–2035 annual average openings
1,700
AI exposure
Moderate
Editorial analysis
The aircraft's nervous system is getting more intelligent
Avionics technicians work on navigation, communication, flight control, sensing, and electronic systems that are becoming more software-driven and interconnected. AI can help interpret diagnostic logs, identify patterns in intermittent faults, search technical information, and predict component failures.
Intermittent faults remain a human detective story
Electronic problems can involve wiring, connectors, power quality, environmental conditions, software, sensors, or interactions between systems. A fault that appears once every few flights may require careful measurement and reasoning despite sophisticated diagnostics.
- Automated diagnostics can narrow troubleshooting paths.
- Predictive maintenance may identify electronic degradation earlier.
- AI can make complex technical documentation easier to navigate.
- Testing, wiring work, calibration, regulatory procedures, and verifying airworthiness remain skilled technician responsibilities.
As aircraft incorporate more automation, sensors, connectivity, and autonomous capabilities, avionics expertise may become more important. The technician's tools will get smarter because the systems being maintained are getting smarter too.
Labor-market picture
Two measures, different questions
These measures offer two different ways to understand the occupation: BLS projections show how national employment may change over time, while relative AI exposure highlights where tasks may intersect with AI-related capabilities. Read them with the work profile and your local context to decide what deserves closer investigation.
Employment
- Employment, 2025
- 19,800 jobs
- Projected employment, 2035
- 21,600 jobs
- Projected change, 2025–2035
- 1,900 jobs (9.4%)
Relative AI exposure
BLS category: Moderate. This is a relative task-exposure classification, not a forecast of employment change, automation, wages, or worker replacement.
Relative AI exposure · Moderate
Work profile
Representative tasks
These task statements come from O*NET 31.0. They are source facts, not labels assigned by the AI exposure measure.
- Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
- Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
Skills that matter
Skills in the source profile
Importance uses O*NET's 1–5 scale. Level uses its 0–7 scale. Select a skill to see its source definition and reported values.
Technology and tools
These technology records come from O*NET and show software or tools reported in the occupation profile. They describe work context, not a required checklist for every employer.
- Portal server software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Analytical or scientific software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Facilities management software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Preparation
- Typical entry education
- Postsecondary nondegree award
- Related experience
- None
- On-the-job training
- None
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Source provenance
Labor-market and exposure facts: bls-ep-2025-35. Work profile: onet-31.0. Verify release details on the Sources page.