Avionics Maintenance Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Avionics Maintenance Technology equips students with the technical expertise needed to service, repair, and troubleshoot advanced electronic systems integral to modern aircraft. This program emphasizes hands-on training and theoretical knowledge to ensure graduates are proficient in maintaining the complex systems that enable safe and efficient flight operations across civilian and military aviation sectors.
- Flight Instrumentation: Focuses on the calibration, operation, and maintenance of critical flight data systems, including altimeters, airspeed indicators, attitude indicators, and flight management computers.
- Aircraft Communications and Homing Systems: Covers the setup, testing, and repair of radio communication equipment, emergency locator transmitters (ELTs), and navigation beacons used for aircraft tracking and voice transmission.
- Radar and Sensory Systems: Explores the functionality and diagnostics of weather radar, terrain awareness systems, and other sensor technologies that enhance situational awareness and flight safety.
- Navigation Aids: Provides instruction in global positioning systems (GPS), instrument landing systems (ILS), VOR, DME, and other precision navigation tools essential for accurate flight path management.
- Specialized Aircraft Systems: Addresses unique avionics configurations found in both commercial aircraft and military platforms, including mission-specific electronics, countermeasure systems, and advanced flight control interfaces.
Avionics Maintenance Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Avionics Maintenance Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Avionics Maintenance Technology degrees, including Avionics Technicians, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians and Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 62,850 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avionics Technicians 49-2091 | $81,390 | $49,770 - $113,580 | 20,900 | $39.13 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians 17-3021 | $79,830 | $53,730 - $120,440 | 9,060 | $38.38 |
| Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers 51-2011 | $61,680 | $46,040 - $94,950 | 32,890 | $29.65 |
Avionics Maintenance Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $43,500 in North Dakota to $102,367 in Washington—a 135% difference. The highest-paying states include Washington, New Jersey, and Nevada. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 62,850 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Avionics Maintenance Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 35 institutions offering Avionics Maintenance Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Avionics Maintenance Technology is found at Hallmark University (110 graduates), Everett Community College (EvCC) (90 graduates), Middle Georgia State University (MGA) (56 graduates), Lansing Community College (LCC) (45 graduates), and Savannah Technical College (35 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 719 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hallmark University |
Associate's
|
110 | San Antonio, Texas | Private | hallmarkuniversity.edu |
| Everett Community College (EvCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Residency
Other Award
|
90 | Everett, Washington | Public | everettcc.edu |
| Middle Georgia State University (MGA) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
56 | Macon, Georgia | Public | mga.edu |
| Lansing Community College (LCC) |
Other Award
|
45 | Lansing, Michigan | Public | lcc.edu |
| Savannah Technical College |
Other Award
|
35 | Savannah, Georgia | Public | savannahtech.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
35 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| Caribbean Aviation Training Institute Inc (CATI) |
Other Award
|
35 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Private | caribav.com |
| Clover Park Technical College (CPTC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Other Award
|
28 | Lakewood, Washington | Public | cptc.edu |
| North Central Institute (NCI) |
Associate's
|
27 | Clarksville, Tennessee | Private | nci.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
26 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Cochise County Community College District |
Associate's
|
25 | Sierra Vista, Arizona | Public | cochise.edu |
| Hazard Community and Technical College (HCTC) |
Associate's
Residency
Other Award
|
23 | Hazard, Kentucky | Public | hazard.kctcs.edu |
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) |
Associate's
|
20 | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | Private | pia.edu |
| Ivy Tech Community College (Ivy Tech) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
18 | Indianapolis, Indiana | Public | ivytech.edu |
| Enterprise State Community College (ESCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
|
17 | Enterprise, Alabama | Public | escc.edu |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Associate's
|
16 | Broomfield, Colorado | Private | spartan.edu |
| George T Baker Aviation Technical College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
15 | Miami, Florida | Public | bakeraviationtechcollege.com |
| Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology |
Associate's
|
11 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Private | spartan.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Associate's
|
11 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Texas State Technical College (TSTC) |
Associate's
Other Award
|
11 | Waco, Texas | Public | tstc.edu |
| Sinclair Community College |
Other Award
|
9 | Dayton, Ohio | Public | sinclair.edu |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez (UAGM Carolina) |
Associate's
|
9 | Carolina, Puerto Rico | Private | uagm.edu |
| Aviation Institute of Maintenance (AIM) |
Other Award
|
9 | Duluth, Georgia | Private | aviationmaintenance.edu |
| Atlanta Technical College (Atlanta Tech) |
Other Award
|
7 | Atlanta, Georgia | Public | atlantatech.edu |
| Atlantic Technical College (ATC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
6 | Coconut Creek, Florida | Public | atlantictechnicalcollege.edu |
| City Colleges of Chicago (OHC) |
Other Award
|
6 | Chicago, Illinois | Public | ccc.edu |
| Northland Community and Technical College |
Other Award
|
4 | Thief River Falls, Minnesota | Public | northlandcollege.edu |
| Miami Dade College (MDC) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
|
3 | Miami, Florida | Public | mdc.edu |
| Fox Valley Technical College (FVTC) |
Associate's
|
3 | Appleton, Wisconsin | Public | fvtc.edu |
| Broward College (BC) |
Associate's
|
2 | Fort Lauderdale, Florida | Public | broward.edu |
| Northeast Iowa Community College (NICC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Calmar, Iowa | Public | nicc.edu |
| Tennessee College of Applied Technology (TCAT) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
2 | Memphis, Tennessee | Public | tcatmemphis.edu |
| Orange Coast College (OCC) |
Other Award
|
1 | Costa Mesa, California | Public | orangecoastcollege.edu |
| Indian Hills Community College (IHCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Ottumwa, Iowa | Public | indianhills.edu |
| National Aviation Academy of Tampa Bay |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Clearwater, Florida | Private | naa.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Avionics Maintenance Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Avionics Maintenance Technology degree?
Salaries for Avionics Maintenance Technology graduates vary by role and location. Avionics Technicians earn a median of $81,390 annually, while Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn around $79,830. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Washington average $102,367 compared to $43,500 in North Dakota. Approximately 62,850 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Avionics Maintenance Technology programs?
Currently 35 accredited institutions offer Avionics Maintenance Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Hallmark University (110 graduates), Everett Community College (EvCC) (90 graduates), and Middle Georgia State University (MGA) (56 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Avionics Maintenance Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have decreased over the past decade, rising from 1,536 in 2010 to 719 in 2023-24. This represents a 53% decrease overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with consistent demand, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Avionics Maintenance Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Avionics Technicians, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, and Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers. Related occupations employ approximately 62,850 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
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