Pay is often one of the first things people look at when exploring a technical career, and avionics is no exception.
Avionics technician salaries can look different depending on where someone works and the type of organization they work for. State labor markets, cost of living, and regional aviation activity all play a role, while industry type shapes pay patterns at a national level.
What Is the Average Avionics Technician Salary in the U.S.?
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual pay for avionics technicians nationwide was $81,390 in 2024.
The median wage represents the midpoint of reported salaries. In simple terms, half of avionics technicians earned more than this amount and half earned less. Because it reflects the middle of the pay range, the median is a helpful way to understand what compensation looks like across the field as a whole.
Actual pay can still differ based on factors like employer, job responsibilities, experience level, industry, and location. That’s why national figures are best viewed as a reference point rather than a prediction of individual earnings.
Avionics Technician Salary by State
Avionics technician salaries aren’t the same from one state to the next. Where someone works matters, and things like local aviation activity, the number of employers in the area, and cost of living can all influence average pay levels.
The table below shows average annual avionics technician salaries by state, based on employer-reported data compiled by Salary.com. These figures represent statewide averages across a range of roles and experience levels.
State salary figures reflect employer-reported data and may vary by employer, job responsibilities, and individual experience.
| State | Average Annual Salary |
| Alabama | $68,100 |
| Alaska | $76,900 |
| Arizona | $74,600 |
| Arkansas | $66,900 |
| California | $81,700 |
| Colorado | $77,400 |
| Connecticut | $79,300 |
| Delaware | $77,800 |
| Florida | $72,600 |
| Georgia | $73,700 |
| Hawaii | $79,600 |
| Idaho | $71,400 |
| Illinois | $75,900 |
| Indiana | $71,800 |
| Iowa | $70,900 |
| Kansas | $71,200 |
| Kentucky | $69,500 |
| Louisiana | $70,800 |
| Maine | $73,100 |
| Maryland | $78,900 |
| Massachusetts | $80,600 |
| Michigan | $73,600 |
| Minnesota | $76,100 |
| Mississippi | $66,100 |
| Missouri | $72,000 |
| Montana | $72,400 |
| Nebraska | $71,300 |
| Nevada | $75,800 |
| New Hampshire | $77,500 |
| New Jersey | $80,300 |
| New Mexico | $73,200 |
| New York | $78,600 |
| North Carolina | $72,400 |
| North Dakota | $73,800 |
| Ohio | $72,500 |
| Oklahoma | $71,900 |
| Oregon | $77,900 |
| Pennsylvania | $74,300 |
| Rhode Island | $78,200 |
| South Carolina | $71,500 |
| South Dakota | $67,300 |
| Tennessee | $71,600 |
| Texas | $74,800 |
| Utah | $73,900 |
| Vermont | $75,400 |
| Virginia | $77,600 |
| Washington | $80,300 |
| West Virginia | $66,700 |
| Wisconsin | $73,400 |
| Wyoming | $74,200 |
Some states report higher averages due to larger aviation hubs or a higher concentration of aerospace and government employers. Others reflect smaller labor markets or lower overall costs of living. Within any state, individual pay can still vary depending on the specific role and employer.
Avionics Technician Salary by Industry
Industry is another important piece of the salary picture. National data from the BLS shows that average avionics technician pay differs across industries, reflecting variations in work environments, system complexity, and operational requirements.
Average Avionics Technician Pay by Industry
Based on 2023 BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, national average wages by industry include:
| Industry | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
| Scheduled Air Transportation | $50.52 | $105,070 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $45.92 | $95,510 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $41.47 | $86,260 |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $40.00 | $83,190 |
| Computer Systems Design and Related Services | $39.32 | $81,780 |
For example, scheduled air transportation includes major commercial airlines, where technicians work with large fleets and operate under detailed regulatory standards. Engineering and manufacturing roles may focus more on design, testing, or production environments, which can also influence average pay levels.
Industries Employing the Largest Numbers of Avionics Technicians
Some industries employ a larger share of avionics technicians while reporting more moderate average wages:
| Industry | Average Hourly Wage | Average Annual Salary |
| Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing | $40.00 | $83,190 |
| Support Activities for Air Transportation | $31.19 | $64,870 |
| Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services | $45.92 | $95,510 |
| Federal, State, and Local Government | $32.44 | $67,480 |
| Scheduled Air Transportation | $50.52 | $105,070 |
Employment levels and wages within each industry can vary based on employer size, job responsibilities, and location.
How Salary Information Fits into Career Exploration
Understanding potential pay can help set expectations, but becoming an avionics technician depends on a combination of factors, including developing technical skills over time. Many roles call for familiarity with aircraft electrical and electronic systems, which is why aviation training is commonly part of how people begin exploring this career path.
Salary information helps frame the discussion, but it’s only one part of evaluating whether avionics aligns with personal interests and work preferences.
How People Get Started in Avionics
People interested in avionics start by learning more about aircraft systems, typical work settings, and the responsibilities associated with entry-level positions. Avionics work can involve inspecting electronic components, following technical documentation, and working within established safety and regulatory guidelines.
Training programs typically introduce students to aircraft electrical and electronic systems and provide exposure to industry-standard tools, terminology, and maintenance practices. Hands-on learning environments may allow students to work with avionics components in controlled settings while becoming familiar with how aviation maintenance tasks are performed.
Career paths in avionics can differ from one person to another. Job responsibilities, employer expectations, and employment opportunities vary across industries and regions. For those interested in learning more about how avionics training is structured and what topics are commonly covered, reach out to a team member at the Aviation Institute of Maintenance today!
