The Sky’s the Limit: Avionics Careers Soar
In the next two decades, 34,000 new planes will take to the skies, according to aircraft
manufacturing giant Boeing. These new-generation planes will be more efficient, safer, and more reliable. They will also be outfitted with high tech electronics and engines, and require new types of maintenance and testing.
“Airlines across the globe are expanding their fleets and flight schedules to meet surging aviation demand in emerging markets,” notes Boeing in a recent market outlook report. Global expansion in the airline industry means the creation of at least 533,000 new pilot jobs and the need for nearly 600,000 new technicians and mechanics in the next 20 years.
Could you be one of them?
In the US, many aircraft specialists are reaching retirement age, meaning that airlines will be seeking tens of thousands of skilled new specialists to replenish their dwindling ranks. Boeing estimates the need for at least 88,000 new pilots and 109,000 new technicians in North America in the coming years.
Beyond the day-to-day operations and maintenance of aircraft, career opportunities abound on the design and testing side of aerospace. Along with technological advances in aircraft are new national security demands, spacecraft innovation, and simulation applications. Exciting advances in 3-D printing will offer new possibilities for the industry as well.
Aviation is a well-paid field, with many skilled workers earning upwards of $60,000, some into the six-figure range. As a global industry, aviation also offers great job opportunities virtually everywhere in the world.
Jobs are also booming outside of commercial airlines and the military. The “general aviation” sector – ranging from small business jets to utility helicopters – employs over 1.2 million people and contributes more than $150 billion each year to the US economy.
Avionics mechanics and technicians
Avionics mechanics work on everything from jets and propeller planes to helicopters. Engines, electrical systems, propellers, hydraulics, flight instruments, landing gears, brakes, and other parts all require regular maintenance, inspections, and repairs.
Most mechanics and technicians learn their trade at a Federal Aviation Administration-approved school, earning an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate.
Some A&P mechanics are “generalists,” meaning they perform many different repairs. Others, usually called avionics technicians, specialize in the repair of particularly complicated parts. Technicians install, inspect, and repair equipment such as radar and navigations systems, and can work in both aircraft and space vehicles.
Avionics mechanics
Median wages (2018) $30.25 hourly, $62,920 annually
Employment (2016) 18,860
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 6,400
Avionics technicians
Median wages (2018) $30.84 hourly, $65,330 annually
Employment (2016) 131,690
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 1,100
Aerospace engineers and operations technicians
Innovation thrives in the field of engineering. Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft prototypes. Many work for the government on national defense projects, or on spacecraft and satellites. Others are employed by the airline industry to help analyze and improve plane design.
Aerospace engineers often specialize in a field like aerodynamics, propulsion, flight mechanics, or thermodynamics. Such expertise is usually gained through bachelors or masters degree programs.
New designs need testing, and that’s where operations technicians come in. Operations technicians install and operate computer systems, simulators, and testing equipment that helps to track and evaluate aircraft and space vehicles.
Aerospace engineers
Median wages (2018) $55.39 hourly, $$115,220 annually
Employment (2016) 69,600
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 4,200
Aerospace operations technicians
Median wages (2013) $32.22 hourly, $67,010 annually
Employment (2016) 12,100
Projected job openings (2016-2026) 800
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2018 Occupational Outlook Handbook
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