Even though they have their feet solidly on the ground, workers in the avionics industry might be said to have their heads in the clouds. They look to the skies for their employment, which involves the creation and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft.
Avionics concerns the electronics of aviation. Depending on the programs avionics students select, they may specialize in the design, testing, improvement or maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft electrical systems.
Avionics jobs include positions such as aerospace engineer, aerospace engineering technician and aircraft/avionics mechanic or technician. Employers include the private and public aviation sectors as well as the national defense industry.
Avionics Degrees
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that most aircraft mechanics and avionics technicians gain their skills at aviation maintenance schools approved by the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration in programs that typically last 18 to 24 months and lead to certificates or associate degrees.
However, the BLS notes that employers are “increasingly” interested in job candidates who hold four-year bachelor’s degrees in the field. The BLS notes this is because the composite materials and electronics involved in aviation have become more complicated. A bachelor’s degree is a necessity for those who want to work in air and spacecraft design as aerospace engineers.
Understanding the principles of aviation requires coursework in mathematics, physics, chemical engineering, electronics, computer science and mechanical drawing. Classes in communications and management help job candidates move up to higher positions, according to the BLS.
FAA approved certificate and degree programs are available through private institutions, such as flight schools, as well as community colleges and universities. Following are
Career Pay
Employees in the avionics industry may earn anywhere from about $33,600 to $145,000, according to BLS 2010 statistics. Years of experience and level of training and responsibility account for the broad pay range as do differences in expectations from mechanics and engineers.
Aircraft and Avionics Mechanics. Mechanics and technicians in the aviation industry repair and maintain airplanes and helicopters. Median pay for aircraft mechanics, based on 2010 BLS statistics, is $53,420 with the top 10 percent earning more than $72, 250 annually. Specialization in just the avionics end of aircraft maintenance nets technicians slightly lower earnings.
Aerospace Engineering Technician. The BLS reports that while the median pay for avionics engineering technicians is $58,080, positions in the top 10 percent pay more than $87, 860. Most of these technicians earn associate degrees at minimum.
Aerospace Engineer. A position as an aerospace engineer, following a 4-year degree, promises a median annual pay of $97,480. Whereas entry-level aerospace engineers may earn only about $61,000, the top 10 percent of engineers receive more than $143,360 a year.
Employment Outlook
Prospective avionics students need to remember that although pay in the aviation, aerospace and defense industries is good, there is a lot of competition for jobs, according to the BLS.
BLS statistics show that mechanics and avionics technicians in the aviation industry can expect employment in their field to grow about 6 percent. To remain competitive in this segment of the avionics job market, obtain a bachelor’s degree in the subject as well as an airframe and powerplant (A&P) certificate.
At the other end of the avionics job spectrum, employment in aerospace engineering — which mostly involves design of civilian aircraft or defense-related work — will grow more slowly at about 5 percent through 2020. Retrofitting existing aircraft to decrease noise and fuel use is one area in which to expect growth.
