Career comparison
Avionics Technician vs. Electrician
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. $63,190), while avionics technicians usually get to work faster (12–24 months of training). Avionics technicians install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft. Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical wiring, panels and equipment safely to code.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
| Avionics Technician | Electrician | |
|---|---|---|
| Median pay | $82,280 ($39.56/hr) | $63,190 ($30.38/hr) |
| Pay range (10th–90th) | $49,410 – $113,680 | $42,640 – $108,510 |
| Job growth, 2025–35 | +9.4% (much faster than average) | +9.2% (much faster than average) |
| Openings per year | 1,700 | 72,700 |
| Typical entry education | Postsecondary nondegree award | High school diploma or equivalent |
| Training time | 12–24 months | 4–5 years (paid apprenticeship) |
| Key credential | FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate | Journeyman electrician license |
| Work setting | Technicians work in hangars, repair stations and flight lines, often in cramped cockpits and equipment bays. | Electricians work indoors and outdoors at construction sites, homes, businesses and factories. |
What each job does
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
Electrician
- Read blueprints, schematics and electrical plans
- Install conduit, wiring, panels, breakers, receptacles and fixtures
- Inspect and test electrical systems with meters and testers
- Troubleshoot and repair faults in circuits, motors and controls
- Follow the National Electrical Code (NEC) and local codes
How they’re similar
Both careers involve hands-on work, problem-solving, indoor work, and teamwork. They sit in different fields, mechanics, maintenance & manufacturing and skilled trades & construction, but share transferable skills such as attention to detail and problem-solving.
Which should you choose?
Choose avionics technician if…
- I love electronics and aircraft
- I’m precise with small connections
- I like troubleshooting systems
Choose electrician if…
- I like working with my hands and solving technical problems
- I’m comfortable with math and following detailed diagrams
- I respect safety rules, and follow them every time
Still torn? Take the Avionics Technician fit quiz and the Electrician fit quiz, or the full Career Match Quiz.
Quick comparisons
Which pays more, avionics technician or electrician?
Avionics Technicians earn more at the median: $82,280 versus $63,190 for electricians, based on BLS May 2025 data.
Which takes less time to train for?
Avionics Technicians typically train faster (12–24 months) than electricians (4–5 years (paid apprenticeship)).
Which career has better job growth?
BLS projects avionics technicians to grow +9.4% from 2025–35, compared with +9.2% for electricians.