Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Understanding, using, maintaining, or repairing machines, tools, equipment, and mechanical systems.
Adjusting effectively when priorities, conditions, tools, or expectations change.
Identifying problems, considering possible solutions, and choosing appropriate actions.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
How to Become an Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic or Technician Some aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians learn their trade on the job. Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians typically need postsecondary
Education
, such as a certificate from a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-approved program. Some enter the occupation with an associate’s degree; others have a high school diploma and train on the job or in the military. These workers typically are certified by the FAA. Education and
Training
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically enter the occupation after attending an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician program. These programs award a certificate of completion that the FAA recognizes as an alternative to the experience requirements stated in regulations. The programs also grant certificate holders the right to take the relevant FAA exams. Programs that are affiliated with community colleges offer students the opportunity to earn an associate’s degree. Some aircraft mechanics and service technicians enter the occupation with a high school diploma or the equivalent. They train on the job or in the military to learn their skills and to be able to pass the FAA exams. Aviation maintenance personnel who are not certified by the FAA work under supervision of a certified airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanic until they have enough experience to sit for the FAA exams.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
The FAA requires aircraft maintenance to be done either by a certified mechanic with the appropriate ratings or authorizations or by someone working under the supervision of such a mechanic. The FAA offers separate certificates for bodywork (airframe mechanics) and engine work (powerplant mechanics), but employers may prefer to hire mechanics who have both ratings (A&P). The A&P ratings generally certify that aviation mechanics meet basic knowledge and ability standards. Mechanics must meet minimum requirements, including for age and experience, to qualify for either the A rating, the P rating, or the A&P rating. Completion of a program at an FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician school can substitute for the experience requirement and expedite the time for becoming eligible to take the FAA exams. The Inspection Authorization (IA) is available to A&P-certified mechanics who meet experience and other requirements. These mechanics are able to review and approve many major repairs and alterations. Avionics technicians may be certified by their employer for the specific aircraft work they perform. Technicians may get optional certification to substitute for some experience. They also may hold the airframe rating to work on an aircraft’s electronic and flight instrument systems. Information on certifications is available from CareerOneStop. Avionics technicians who work on communications equipment may need a license issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement As aircraft mechanics and service technicians gain experience, they might advance to become lead mechanics, lead inspectors, or shop supervisors. Opportunities to advance may be best for those who have an inspection authorization (IA). Mechanics with broad experience in maintenance and repair may become inspectors or examiners for the FAA.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
Job Outlook Overall employment of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2025 to 2035, faster than the average for all occupations. About 13,100 openings for aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. Employment Growing demand for passenger travel and goods transportation will increase air traffic over the coming years. As the use and number of aircraft increase, and as aircraft systems become more complex, more technicians will be needed to provide maintenance and repair services. The growing space industry also may add to this need. Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Avionics technicians 9% Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians 6% Installation, maintenance, and repair occupations 5% Aircraft mechanics and service technicians 5% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanics and Technicians Do
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians install, test, adjust, and repair equipment and systems in aircraft.
Duties
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians typically do the following:
- Diagnose mechanical or electrical problems
- Repair wings, brakes, electrical systems, and other aircraft components
- Examine replacement aircraft parts for defects
- Replace defective parts, using handtools or power tools
- Read and interpret manufacturers’ instructions to identify repair specifications
- Test aircraft parts with gauges and other instruments
- Inspect completed work to ensure that it meets performance standards
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work
Avionics technicians typically do the following:
- Test electronic equipment using circuit testers, voltmeters, and other instruments
- Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and performance problems
- Repair or replace malfunctioning components
- Assemble components, such as electrical controls and junction boxes, and install software
- Install instrument panels, using handtools, power tools, and soldering irons
- Keep records of maintenance and repair work
To keep aircraft operating safely and reliably, aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians perform scheduled maintenance, make repairs, and complete inspections. They follow detailed regulations set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that dictate maintenance schedules for different operations.
Some mechanics and technicians are generalists and work on many different types of aircraft, such as airplanes, helicopters, and space vehicles. Others specialize in one section, such as the engine or hydraulic system, of a particular type of aircraft. In independent repair shops, mechanics usually inspect and repair many types of aircraft.
The following are examples of types of aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians:
Airframe and powerplant (A&P) mechanics are certified generalist mechanics who repair and maintain most parts of an aircraft, including the engines, landing gear, and brakes. Some specialized activities require additional experience and certification.
Avionics technicians are specialists who repair and maintain a plane’s electronic systems, including radio communications equipment and radar. Technicians who have an airframe rating may repair and maintain many avionics and flight instrument systems, but they also may need other licenses or certifications.
Designated airworthiness representatives (DARs) examine, inspect, and test aircraft in order to issue airworthiness certificates, which aircraft must have to fly. There are two types of DARs: manufacturing DARs and maintenance DARs.
Inspection authorized (IA) mechanics are A&P-certified mechanics who may inspect aircraft and return them to service. IA mechanics have the widest variety of maintenance and alteration capabilities, such as performing comprehensive annual inspections, of any maintenance personnel.
Repairmen have certificates that allow them to do specific duties. Repairman certificates are issued by the employing repair station and are not transferable to other employers.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians held about 140,000 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of aircraft mechanics and service technicians were as follows:
| Support activities for air transportation | 30% |
| Air transportation | 26 |
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 18 |
| Federal government | 9 |
| Couriers and express delivery services | 3 |
Avionics technicians held about 19,800 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of avionics technicians were as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 36% |
| Support activities for air transportation | 29 |
| Professional, scientific, and technical services | 9 |
| Air transportation | 8 |
| Federal government | 6 |
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work in hangars, in repair stations, or on airfields. Most of these worksites are located near major airports. Civilian aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians employed by the U.S. Armed Forces work on military installations.
Aircraft mechanics and service technicians may work outside on the airfield or in climate-controlled shops and hangars. They may need to work in uncomfortable positions, such as crouching or lying on the ground and reaching overhead, for long periods.
The work may be stressful at times because these mechanics and technicians must follow strict safety standards while meeting deadlines.
Injuries and Illnesses
Aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians may work on scaffolds or ladders. Noise and vibrations are also common, especially when engines are being tested. Workers must take care to avoid falls and should wear safety gear, such as ear protection to reduce the risk of hearing loss.
Work Schedules
Most aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians work full time. They may work 8- or 10-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Detail oriented. Mechanics and technicians must adjust aircraft parts to exact specifications. For example, they often use precision tools to tighten wheel bolts to a specified tension. Dexterity. Mechanics and technicians need to coordinate the movement of their fingers and hands in order to grasp, manipulate, or assemble parts. Mechanical skills. Mechanics and technicians must be able to understand and interpret manufacturer instructions to repair, replace, and assemble aircraft components. Observational skills. Mechanics and technicians must recognize engine noises, read gauges, and collect other information to determine whether an aircraft’s systems are working properly. Physical strength. Mechanics and technicians may carry or move heavy equipment or aircraft parts, climb on airplanes, balance, and reach without falling. Problem-solving skills. Mechanics and technicians must be able to diagnose problems with aircraft equipment and systems to determine the best way to repair them.
More Information
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about aircraft and avionics equipment mechanics and technicians by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.