Career comparison
Aircraft Mechanic vs. Avionics Technician
Side-by-side pay, training, growth and day-to-day duties to help you choose between two related careers.
Avionics technicians earn more at the median ($82,280 vs. $79,870), while avionics technicians usually get to work faster (12–24 months of training). Aircraft mechanics inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards. Avionics technicians install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Aircraft Mechanic | Avionics Technician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $79,870 ($38.40/hr) | $82,280 ($39.56/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $48,780 – $128,890 | $49,410 – $113,680 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +5.4% (faster than average) | +9.4% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 11,400 | 1,700 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | Postsecondary nondegree award |
| Training time | 18–30 months | 12–24 months |
| Key credential | FAA A&P certificate | FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate |
| Work setting | Aircraft mechanics work in hangars, on flight lines and at repair stations, sometimes outdoors in all weather. | Technicians work in hangars, repair stations and flight lines, often in cramped cockpits and equipment bays. |
What each job does
Aircraft Mechanic
- Perform scheduled inspections such as annual, 100-hour and airline checks
- Diagnose mechanical, electrical and hydraulic problems
- Repair or replace engines, landing gear, brakes and components
- Repair aircraft structures and sheet metal
- Comply with airworthiness directives and service bulletins
Avionics Technician
- Troubleshoot avionics and electrical systems
- Install and modify avionics equipment and wiring
- Test systems with specialized test equipment
- Read wiring diagrams and maintenance manuals
- Perform inspections and functional checks
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and teamwork. Both are part of the mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing field, so many skills transfer between them.
Which should you choose?
Choose aircraft mechanic if…
- I’m fascinated by airplanes and how they work
- I take rules and documentation seriously
- I’m precise and double-check my work
Choose avionics technician if…
- I love electronics and aircraft
- I’m precise with small connections
- I like troubleshooting systems
Still torn? Take the Aircraft Mechanic fit quiz and the Avionics Technician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, aircraft mechanic or avionics technician?
Avionics Technicians earn more at the median: $82,280 versus $79,870 for aircraft mechanics, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Avionics Technicians typically train faster (12–24 months) than aircraft mechanics (18–30 months).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects avionics technicians to grow +9.4% from 2025–35, compared with +5.4% for aircraft mechanics.