Avionics technicians
SOC Code: 49-2091
Avionics technicians carries a 32% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $81,390 and +8.2% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 21,400 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
At 32% AI exposure, Avionics technicians sits 5 points below the 37.2% average across 832 U.S. occupations - more exposed than 38% of them. Most of its core tasks still require human judgment.
Where Avionics technicians sits among all occupations
AI-exposure score distribution across 832 U.S. occupations (O*NET task analysis). This occupation is marked in rose.
Avionics technicians has ai exposure of 32%. Distribution: 1 occupations at 0-10%; 43 occupations at 10-20%; 184 occupations at 20-30%; 332 occupations at 30-40%; 158 occupations at 40-50%; 64 occupations at 50-60%; 29 occupations at 60-70%; 15 occupations at 70-80%; 5 occupations at 80-90%; 1 occupations at 90-100%.
Source: O*NET task data (U.S. Department of Labor); AI-exposure scores are PlainWorkforce's analysis. As of BLS 2024–2034.
Avionics technicians vs. its occupational neighbors
AI exposure (horizontal) vs projected 2024–2034 growth (vertical) for occupations in the same SOC group. Avionics technicians is marked in rose; the top-left corner is the most future-proof.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 (growth) and O*NET (AI-exposure analysis by PlainWorkforce).
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Avionics technicians (SOC 49-2091) carries an AI exposure score of 32%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 21,400 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.2% change through 2034 - modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $81,390, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Postsecondary nondegree award, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Avionics technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
- 2. Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
- 3. Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- 4. Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
- 5. Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
- 6. Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
- 7. Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
- 8. Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
- 9. Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
- 10. Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
Key Skills Required
- Equipment Maintenance
- Troubleshooting
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Complex Problem Solving
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Reading Comprehension
Knowledge Areas
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- English Language
- Engineering and Technology
- Customer and Personal Service
- Telecommunications
- Design
- Mathematics
- Education and Training
- Public Safety and Security
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Avionics technicians?
Avionics technicians has an AI exposure score of 32%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Avionics technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Avionics technicians is projected to grow by 8.2% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 21,400 workers.
What skills are needed for Avionics technicians?
Key skills for Avionics technicians include Equipment Maintenance, Troubleshooting, Repairing, and others. Typical entry-level education is Postsecondary nondegree award.
How much do Avionics technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Avionics technicians is $81,390, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Avionics technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Avionics technicians is Postsecondary nondegree award. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Avionics technicians?
Avionics technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
Related Occupations
Career Guides
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).