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Avionics Technicians
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include hydroelectric production managers, travel guides, electricians, agricultural technicians, barbers, court reporters, and medical assistants.
Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $41K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $55K
Median Salary: $67K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $83K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $100K
Demand
Core Tasks
Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
Fabricate parts and test aids as required.
Assemble prototypes or models of circuits, instruments, and systems for use in testing.
Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Computers and Electronics
88%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Mechanical
85%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
English Language
84%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Engineering and Technology
76%
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.
Customer and Personal Service
70%
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.
Design
69%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Telecommunications
69%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Mathematics
68%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Education and Training
63%
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Public Safety and Security
63%
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Top 10 Skills
Equipment Maintenance
78%
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing
78%
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Troubleshooting
78%
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Critical Thinking
75%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Operations Monitoring
75%
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis
75%
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Complex Problem Solving
70%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Active Listening
68%
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.
Speaking
68%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Judgment and Decision Making
65%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Written Comprehension
78%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Information Ordering
75%
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).
Near Vision
75%
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Oral Comprehension
75%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Problem Sensitivity
75%
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
Deductive Reasoning
73%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Finger Dexterity
73%
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
Inductive Reasoning
73%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Written Expression
73%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Oral Expression
70%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Top 10 Work Activities
Documenting/Recording Information
88%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
88%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Getting Information
87%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
87%
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.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
84%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
83%
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Interacting With Computers
83%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
81%
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
80%
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Training and Teaching Others
76%
Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
Detailed Work Activities
Test electrical equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Troubleshoot equipment or systems operation problems.
Maintain repair or maintenance records.
Install machine or equipment replacement parts.
Adjust equipment to ensure optimal performance.
Repair worn, damaged, or defective mechanical parts.
Install electrical components, equipment, or systems.
Assemble electrical components, subsystems, or systems.
Lay out work according to specifications.
Analyze test or performance data to assess equipment operation.
Confer with coworkers to coordinate work activities.
Fabricate parts or components.
Develop equipment or component configurations.
Work Context
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Time Pressure
How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
How much does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hard hats or life jackets?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?
Education
Majors
Major
Interests
Realistic
100%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Conventional
62%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Investigative
62%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Enterprising
34%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Artistic
19%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
15%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Attention to Detail
97%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Integrity
90%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Dependability
88%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Analytical Thinking
85%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Achievement/Effort
84%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Independence
82%
Job requires developing one's own ways of doing things, guiding oneself with little or no supervision, and depending on oneself to get things done.
Initiative
81%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Self Control
81%
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Cooperation
80%
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Adaptability/Flexibility
79%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Work Values
Support
77%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
Relationships
62%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Achievement
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
58%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Working Conditions
55%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Recognition
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
