If you've dreamed of a career in flight, but never wanted to pilot a plane, then maybe you should consider a future as an avionics technician. With a variety of opportunities in both the public and private sectors, avionics technicians work to keep research on the cutting edge and planes in the air.

Definition

According to the Princeton Review, avionics technicians "test, maintain and produce aviation electronics, including missile guidance systems, jet engines and flight control circuitry." An avionics technician's goal is to prevent the malfunction of aviation equipment.

Hours

Because the aviation industry never stops, aviation technicians usually work nontraditional hours, including holidays and weekends. In addition, some technicians may be employed by private research organizations or the military and will have to work according to the timelines and schedules set by those organizations.

Education

To become an avionics technician, you must attend a specialized school for one to three years to study electrical engineering. In addition, aerospace employers will likely send new technicians to training to learn the specifics of their research and products.

Skills

This field requires great attention to detail and a natural curiosity about electronics. Those considering a job as an avionics technician should be good at math and comfortable working with their hands.

Salary

As of October 2009, AVJobs.com posts the average salary of an avionics technician to be $24.63 per hour, with a minimum salary of $18 per hour and a maximum of $28.75 per hour.

Source:

Princeton Review

AVJobs.com