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Avionics Technicians

Installation, Maintenance, and Repair (49-2091)
Bright Outlook

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

At a Glance

Avionics Technicians earns a median of $81,390/yr with +8.2% projected growth. Typical entry: Postsecondary nondegree award. Top skills: Microsoft Excel, Linux, C.

Median Annual Wage

$81,390/yr

Projected Growth (2024-34)

+8.2%

Annual Openings

2

Typical Education

Postsecondary nondegree award

Skills & Requirements

Skills (12)

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

3.9
Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

3.9
Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

3.9
Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

3.8
Operations Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

3.8
Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

3.8
Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

3.5
Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

3.4
Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

3.4
Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

3.3
Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

3.3
Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

3.3

Knowledge (8)

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

4.4
Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

4.2
English Language

Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

4.2
Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

3.8
Customer and Personal Service

Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

3.5
Telecommunications

Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.

3.4
Mathematics

Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

3.4
Design

Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

3.4

Abilities (14)

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

3.9
Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

3.8
Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

3.8
Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

3.8
Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

3.8
Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

3.6
Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

3.6
Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

3.6
Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

3.6
Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

3.5
Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

3.4
Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

3.4
Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

3.3
Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

3.3

Technology (12)

Microsoft Excel

Category: Spreadsheet software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Linux

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
C

Category: Development environment software | Hot Technology

4.5
Autodesk AutoCAD

Category: Computer aided design CAD software | Hot Technology

4.5
UNIX

Category: Operating system software | Hot Technology

4.5
SAP software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Workday software

Category: Enterprise resource planning ERP software | Hot Technology

4.5
Oracle Java

Category: Object or component oriented development software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft Word

Category: Word processing software | Hot Technology

4.5
Microsoft PowerPoint

Category: Presentation software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Outlook

Category: Electronic mail software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5
Microsoft Office software

Category: Office suite software | Hot Technology | In Demand

4.5

Work Activities (23)

Documenting/Recording Information

Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

4.4
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

4.4
Getting Information

Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

4.4
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.

4.3
Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

4.2
Working with Computers

Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

4.2
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards

Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

4.1
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

4.0
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

4.0
Training and Teaching Others

Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.

3.8
Controlling Machines and Processes

Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

3.7
Processing Information

Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

3.7
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

3.7
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

3.7
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships

Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

3.6
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

3.6
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment

Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

3.6
Handling and Moving Objects

Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

3.6
Analyzing Data or Information

Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

3.6
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People

Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.

3.4
Performing General Physical Activities

Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

3.4
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

3.4
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others

Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

3.3

Careers with Overlapping Skills

These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.

Explore Key Skills

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