How to Become an Avionics Technician in 2026

Avionics technicians install, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems that keep aircraft flying safely. Navigation, communication, radar, autopilot, flight displays—if it's electronic and it's on an aircraft, an avionics tech works on it.

It's skilled work that pays well, and the industry can't find enough qualified people to fill open positions. If you're looking for a technical career that doesn't require a four-year degree and pays $60,000 to $90,000+ once you're experienced, avionics is worth a serious look.

Here's exactly how to break into the field in 2026.

What Does an Avionics Technician Actually Do?

Before you commit to this path, understand what the job involves day-to-day.

Avionics technicians work on aircraft electronic systems including:

• Navigation systems – GPS, VOR, ILS, ADF, and inertial navigation

• Communication systems – VHF radios, transponders, satellite comm, intercom

• Surveillance systems – weather radar, TCAS, ADS-B

• Flight instruments – glass cockpits, EFIS, attitude indicators, altimeters

• Autopilot and flight control systems

• Entertainment and cabin management systems (on larger aircraft)

The work involves reading schematics, using test equipment like oscilloscopes and multimeters, troubleshooting intermittent faults, running wiring, and performing installations and modifications. You'll work with your hands and your brain.

Most avionics techs work at Part 145 repair stations—FAA-certified facilities that perform maintenance on aircraft. Others work for airlines, corporate flight departments, or aircraft manufacturers. Some specialize in specific aircraft types or systems.

Step 1: Get the Right Training

You have several options for entry-level training, each with tradeoffs.

Option A: Aviation Maintenance Technician School (A&P Route)

Traditional aviation maintenance schools train you for the FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. This covers the full aircraft—engines, airframes, and systems—with some avionics content included.

Pros:

• A&P certificate is widely recognized

• Qualifies you for broad maintenance work

• Some employers prefer or require it

Cons:

• 18-24 months full-time

• Costs $30,000-$60,000+

• Avionics is only a small part of the curriculum

• You'll spend significant time on engines and structures you may never touch

The A&P route makes sense if you want to work on the whole aircraft or aren't sure which specialty you want. But if you know you want avionics specifically, it's a longer and more expensive path than necessary.

Option B: Avionics-Specific Training

Focused avionics training programs teach you the electrical, electronic, and systems knowledge specific to aircraft electronics work. This is a more direct path if avionics is your goal.

Programs like the CAET (Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician) certification focus specifically on what you need to work in avionics: DC and AC electrical theory, solid-state electronics, troubleshooting methodology, wiring and installation practices, aviation regulations, and core avionics systems.

Pros:

• Directly relevant to avionics work

• Faster completion (weeks to months, not years)

• Lower cost

• Can be done online while working

Cons:

• Less name recognition than A&P (though this is changing)

• Doesn't qualify you for airframe or powerplant work

Many Part 145 repair stations will hire avionics technicians without an A&P if they demonstrate solid electrical and electronics knowledge. The key is proving you understand the fundamentals and can troubleshoot effectively.

Option C: Military Training

If you're coming from a military avionics background—Air Force, Navy, Army, or Coast Guard—you already have significant training and experience. The challenge is translating that to civilian credentials.

Military avionics training is often more rigorous than civilian programs, but civilian employers don't always know how to evaluate it. Getting a civilian certification like CAET helps bridge that gap and validates your skills in language employers understand.

SkillBridge programs allow transitioning service members to train with civilian employers during their final months of service. This is an excellent way to get your foot in the door while still receiving military pay.

Option D: On-the-Job Training

Some shops will hire entry-level people and train them internally. This is more common at smaller Part 145 stations that struggle to find trained technicians.

Pros:

• You get paid while learning

• Real-world experience from day one

• No training debt

Cons:

• Hard to find these opportunities without connections

• Training quality varies wildly

• May learn bad habits along with good ones

• Slower career progression without formal credentials

This path works best if you already have some electrical or electronics background—military, industrial, automotive, or hobbyist experience that shows you understand the fundamentals.

Step 2: Build Your Foundation Knowledge

Regardless of which training path you take, you need solid understanding of these fundamentals:

Electrical Theory

• DC circuits: Ohm's law, series/parallel circuits, voltage dividers, power calculations

• AC circuits: frequency, phase, reactance, impedance, transformers

• You should be comfortable reading and interpreting schematic diagrams

Solid-State Electronics

• Diodes, transistors, and how they're used in circuits

• Digital logic basics

• Integrated circuits and their applications

Test Equipment

• Multimeter operation (AC/DC voltage, current, resistance, continuity)

• Oscilloscope basics

• Signal generators and frequency counters

Wiring and Installation

• Wire types and specifications

• Crimping, soldering, and connector assembly

• Wire harness fabrication

• Proper routing and support

Aviation Regulations

• Part 43 (maintenance regulations)

• Part 145 (repair station requirements)

• Documentation and record-keeping requirements

If you're weak in any of these areas, address that before or during your formal training. Employers will test these fundamentals during interviews.

Step 3: Get Certified

Certifications validate your knowledge and make you more employable. Here are the relevant ones:

CAET (Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician)

The CAET certification specifically validates avionics competency. It covers electrical fundamentals, maintenance practices, regulations, and avionics systems. This is the most directly relevant certification if you're pursuing avionics work.

The certification includes coursework and a proctored exam. It's designed to prove you have the foundational knowledge to work productively in a Part 145 avionics environment.

A&P Certificate (Optional for Avionics)

As mentioned earlier, the FAA A&P certificate isn't required for avionics-only work, but some employers prefer it. If you work at a shop that does both avionics and general maintenance, having the A&P gives you more flexibility.

You can pursue the A&P later in your career if it makes sense for your specific situation. Don't feel pressured to get it before starting in avionics.

Step 4: Get Hired

With training and certification in hand, here's how to land your first job.

Target Part 145 Repair Stations

Most avionics jobs are at FAA-certified Part 145 repair stations. These range from small local shops to large operations working on airline fleets.

Search job boards for "avionics technician," but also reach out directly to repair stations in your area. Many smaller shops don't post openings—they hire through word of mouth or when someone walks in with the right qualifications.

Prepare for Technical Interviews

Expect employers to test your knowledge during interviews. Common topics include:

• Ohm's law calculations

• Reading schematic diagrams

• Troubleshooting scenarios

• Multimeter usage

• Basic regulatory knowledge

Don't memorize answers—understand the concepts. Interviewers can tell the difference.

Start Entry-Level

Your first job will likely be bench work, wire harness fabrication, or assisting senior technicians. This is normal. You'll gain hands-on experience and work toward more complex troubleshooting and installations as you prove yourself.

Entry-level pay ranges from $18-25/hour depending on location and employer. With 2-3 years of experience and demonstrated competence, expect $28-40/hour or more. Experienced specialists at major repair stations or airlines can earn $45-60/hour.

Consider Location

Avionics jobs cluster around aviation hubs. Areas with significant general aviation, corporate aviation, or airline maintenance bases have more opportunities:

• Wichita, KS (general aviation manufacturing)

• Dallas/Fort Worth (airline hubs, business aviation)

• Florida (heavy GA activity)

• Atlanta, Phoenix, Denver, Seattle (airline maintenance)

You'll have more options if you're willing to relocate, especially for your first job.

Step 5: Build Your Career

Getting hired is just the beginning. Here's how to progress:

Specialize

As you gain experience, consider specializing in specific aircraft types, systems, or manufacturers. Specialists command higher pay. Common specializations include:

• Specific aircraft platforms (Gulfstream, Citation, King Air, etc.)

• Glass cockpit systems (Garmin, Collins, Honeywell)

• Autopilot and flight control systems

• Radar and surveillance systems

• Satcom and connectivity systems

  
  

Get Factory Training

Manufacturers like Garmin, Collins Aerospace, and Honeywell offer factory training on their equipment. This training is valuable and often required to work on newer systems. Many employers pay for factory training once you're established.

Consider Additional Credentials

Depending on your career path, additional credentials may help:

• IA (Inspection Authorization) – requires A&P plus experience

• Specific manufacturer certifications

• Specialized ratings (like repairman certificates for specific equipment)

  
  

Never Stop Learning

Avionics technology evolves constantly. New aircraft come with increasingly sophisticated systems. Staying current with technology trends—ADS-B, datalink, integrated modular avionics, electronic flight bags—keeps you valuable.

The Bottom Line

Becoming an avionics technician in 2026 is straightforward:

1. Get proper training in electrical/electronic fundamentals and avionics systems

2. Earn relevant certifications (CAET, FCC GROL)

3. Apply to Part 145 repair stations and pass technical interviews

4. Start entry-level, prove yourself, and advance

The path doesn't require a four-year degree or massive student debt. It does require genuine interest in electronics and aircraft systems, willingness to learn, and attention to detail.

If that sounds like you, avionics is a career worth pursuing.

ACE Avionics Training offers the CAET certification program—online training specifically designed to prepare you for avionics work at Part 145 repair stations. Learn more about CAET certification or explore our training programs.