Hiring guide · Mechanics, Maintenance & Manufacturing
How to Hire an Avionics Technician
Pay benchmarks, qualifications, sourcing, screening and interview questions for hiring avionics technicians, plus a plan to get them productive fast.
Write a clear job description, offer competitive pay (the national median is $82,280), recruit through technical college automotive, diesel, aviation and machining programs, verify FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate where applicable, run a structured interview with a practical skills check, and onboard with a 30-60-90 day plan.
Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026
The hiring market for avionics technicians
There are about 19,800 avionics technicians employed in the U.S., with roughly 1,700 openings each year. Employment is projected to change +9.4% from 2025–35 (much faster than average). Expect competition for qualified candidates: speed and a strong offer matter.
Pay benchmarks for offers
| Candidate level | Annual | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| Entry level (10th–25th percentile) | $49,410–$63,900 | $23.75–$30.72 |
| Typical / mid-career (median) | $82,280 | $39.56 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | $99,110 | $47.65 |
| Top of market (90th percentile) | $113,680 | $54.65 |
*Annual ÷ 2,080 hours except median. National BLS data; adjust for your state and metro area. Many states and cities now require pay ranges in job postings.
What to look for
Must-haves
- Postsecondary nondegree award (typical entry level)
- Licensing or certification required in your state
- Electrical and electronics troubleshooting
- Attention to detail
Nice-to-haves
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
- NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)
- Experience with multimeters and oscilloscopes
Where to find avionics technicians
- Technical college automotive, diesel, aviation and machining programs
- Manufacturer and dealer training programs
- Military transition and SkillBridge programs
- Manufacturing career fairs and referrals
- Job postings that use common alternate titles: Aircraft Electronics Technician, Avionics Installer, Aircraft Electrician, Avionics Specialist
Screening checklist
- ASE, FAA A&P, NIMS or other credentials as applicable
- A hands-on diagnostic, measurement or setup test
- Tool inventory for roles where technicians supply tools
- Safety record and lockout/tagout knowledge
Follow federal, state and local rules on background checks, drug testing and fair-chance hiring, and apply screening consistently to all candidates for the role.
Interview questions to ask
Ask every candidate the same questions and score answers on a structured scorecard.
1. “What avionics systems have you worked on?”
What a strong answer includes: Name aircraft and systems.
2. “How do you approach troubleshooting?”
What a strong answer includes: Explain a step-by-step method with diagrams.
3. “Do you hold an A&P or FCC license?”
What a strong answer includes: Mention credentials or plans.
4. “Why are maintenance records important?”
What a strong answer includes: Connect to safety and regulations.
5. “How do you handle pressure to release an aircraft?”
What a strong answer includes: Show you won’t compromise safety.
Practical skills checks
A short demonstration beats a perfect resume. Ask candidates to talk you through, or perform under supervision, tasks such as:
- Troubleshoot an Intermittent Avionics Fault (see the steps)
- Crimp an Aircraft Connector Pin (see the steps)
- Make an FAA Maintenance Record Entry (see the steps)
Red flags
- Can’t describe basic safety practices for the role
- Vague or inconsistent work history with no explanation
- Unfamiliar with core terms such as Avionics, ADS-B, Transponder
- Negative talk about every past employer or coworker
Onboard for retention
The first 90 days decide whether a new hire stays. Use our Avionics Technician 30-60-90 day onboarding plan and give every new hire the same foundation with Avionics Technician training. Show them the path forward: Avionics Apprentice or Installer → Avionics Technician → Lead Technician or Inspector → Avionics Manager or Engineering Technician.
Hiring avionics technicians: FAQ
How much should I pay an avionics technician?
The U.S. median wage for avionics technicians is $82,280 per year ($39.56/hour), according to BLS May 2025 data. Entry-level offers often fall near the 25th percentile ($63,900), while experienced hires command closer to the 75th percentile ($99,110). Adjust for your local market.
What qualifications should an avionics technician have?
BLS lists “postsecondary nondegree award” as the typical entry-level education. Look for FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate and FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) where relevant, plus skills such as electrical and electronics troubleshooting, wiring diagram reading, and harness and connector repair.
How long does it take to train a new avionics technician?
Becoming qualified typically takes 12–24 months. After hire, plan for a structured 30-60-90 day onboarding period; BLS classifies on-the-job training for this occupation as “none.”