Avionics Technician
Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.
- $82,280
- 12–24 months
Technology career
Electronics Technician
Also called: Electronics Engineering Technician · Electrical Technician · Test Technician · Electronics Repair Technician
What electronics technicians do, what they earn, how long training takes and how to get started, with official BLS pay data and practical, job-level detail.
What does an electronics technician do?
Electrical and electronic engineering technicians help engineers design, build, test and repair electronic equipment, circuits and systems. The median pay is $78,190 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2 years, and employment is projected to grow +2.4% from 2025–35.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
- Median pay$78,190$37.59/hour · May 2025
- Job growth+2.4%2025–35, slower than average
- Openings per year8,100Average, 2025–35
- Typical entry educationAssociate's degreeBLS classification
- Time to train2 yearsTypical program length
- U.S. jobs96,900Employment, 2025
What electronics technicians do
Electronics technicians work hands-on with circuits and devices. They build prototypes, solder components, test boards with oscilloscopes and meters, troubleshoot failures, calibrate equipment and document results. They work in manufacturing, research labs, defense, telecommunications, medical devices and energy.
Most technicians have an associate degree in electronics technology. Military training is another common path. Strong troubleshooting and measurement skills open doors to engineering technician, test engineering and field service careers.
Typical duties
- Build and assemble prototypes
- Solder and rework circuit boards
- Test circuits and systems
- Troubleshoot electronic failures
- Calibrate and maintain equipment
- Document test results
- Support engineers with design changes
Work environment and schedule
Technicians work in labs, factories and field sites, at benches with test equipment, often in clean or ESD-controlled areas.
Schedule: Most work full-time days; some manufacturing and field roles include shifts or travel.
A day in the life
- Review test procedures for a new circuit board revision.
- Set up the test bench with a power supply and oscilloscope.
- Test boards and log measurements.
- Troubleshoot a failing board and find a cracked solder joint.
See a full day in the life of an electronics technician →
Electronics Technician salary
Half of electronics technicians earned more than $78,190 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $49,510 for the lowest 10% to $115,700 for the top 10%.
Full electronics technician pay scale and hourly rates →
How to become an electronics technician
- Study math and electronics
- Earn an associate degree
- Get certified
- Start as a technician
- Advance
An associate degree in electronics or electrical engineering technology is typical. Military electronics training is also common.
Step-by-step guide to becoming an electronics technician →
Skills and tools
Technical skills
- Circuit theory
- Soldering and rework
- Oscilloscopes and multimeters
- Schematic reading
- Troubleshooting
People skills
- Attention to detail
- Problem solving
- Patience
- Communication
All electronics technician skills and tools →
Pros and cons
Pros
- Associate degree path
- Hands-on technical work
- Many industries
- Path to engineering roles
Cons
- Detailed, precise work
- Some repetitive testing
- ESD and safety procedures
- May need security clearance for defense work
Certifications and licenses
- ETA International Certified Electronics Technician (CET): Electronics technician certification.
- IPC J-STD-001: Soldering standard certification.
- IPC-A-610: Acceptability of electronic assemblies.
- FCC GROL: Radio license for some communications work.
Career path
- Electronics Technician: Test and repair boards.
- Senior Technician: Handle complex systems.
- Test or Field Engineer: Develop tests or support customers.
- Engineer or Lab Manager: Design systems or lead labs.
Learn the job before day one
Our Electronics Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as troubleshoot a failing circuit board and make a good solder joint, safety and how to land your first job.
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Compare: Electronics Technician vs. Avionics Technician · Electronics Technician vs. Biomed Technician · Electronics Technician vs. Computer Repair Technician · Electronics Technician vs. Electrical Engineer
Electronics Technician FAQ
Do electronics technicians need a degree?
An associate degree is typical.
Where do they work?
Manufacturing, labs, defense, telecom and medical devices.
Can technicians become engineers?
Yes, often with more education.
How much does an electronics technician make?
The median annual wage for electronics technicians was $78,190 ($37.59 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $49,510 and the highest 10% earned more than $115,700.
How long does it take to become an electronics technician?
Most people need about 2 years of training. An associate degree in electronics or electrical engineering technology is typical. Military electronics training is also common.
Do you need a degree to be an electronics technician?
No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.
More electronics technician questions →
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3023 (Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians).
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
- O*NET OnLine summary for Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians (U.S. Department of Labor).
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.