Avionics Technician
Avionics technicians inspect, modify, install, maintain, repair, and certify the electronic equipment used on aircraft.
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Aircraft Electronics Technician, Avionics Bench Technician, Avionics Line Technician, Mechanic, Service Technician
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used.
Here is how this occupation has been classified over time.
2006 NOC
2006 NOC-S
2011 NOC
2016 NOC
2021 NOC
2023 OaSIS
Avionics are the electrical and electronic systems on aircraft. Examples include aircraft electrical, communications, navigation, and guidance systems.
Avionics technicians inspect, install, configure, repair, maintain, and certify avionics. They may use drafting, design, and drawing software such as CADD programs when planning changes to aircraft systems.
Avionics technicians:
They may help others:
Avionics technicians may work as part of a team or alone. They may take charge of a project, shop, or specific system.
Avionics technicians work in shops, hangars, and outdoors. They often work in small spaces inside aircraft. They may work shifts. They sometimes work out of the country and may be away from home for a few days, a year, or even more.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2006 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
Interest in precision working to adjust components to revised tolerances and to test instruments using electrical and electronic test equipment, micrometers, pressure gauges and vacuum-pump testers
Interest in testing instruments to ensure that they conform to operating specifications
Interest in analyzing data from equipment tests to diagnose causes of instrument malfunctions
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in precision working to test, overhaul, repair and modify electrical systems and equipment
Interest in measuring voltage, current and resistance at specified locations when troubleshooting faults
Interest in analyzing data from observations of equipment in operation, by examinations of parts and from results of electrical tests, to diagnose faults
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Interest in precision working to modify, adjust and test avionics systems and equipment
Interest in ensuring that installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of avionics systems meet established specifications
Interest in analyzing data from observations of equipment in operation, by examinations of parts and from results of electronic tests, to troubleshoot faults
To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective, and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes for this NOC group is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.
A Quick Guide
You are born with abilities that help you process certain types of information and turn it into action. These abilities influence which skills you can learn more easily.
The abilities or aptitudes shown for this NOC group come from the General Aptitude Test Battery (GATB). The GATB measures 9 aptitudes. It groups them into 3 categories: mental, visual, and physical.
The abilities scores range from 1 to 5, with 5 being stronger.
Avionics technicians need:
They should enjoy analyzing complex data and using tools for precise tasks. They should be able to follow clear rules. They should also enjoy being organized.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups. If there are multiple related NOC groups, select a NOC heading to learn about each one.
This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 23 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2021 and Nov 07, 2024.
Review these skills to learn:
Health benefits: Health care plan | 18 |
---|---|
Health benefits: Dental plan | 18 |
Tasks: Troubleshoot, repair, install and inspect aircraft systems and components | 14 |
Type of Industry Experience: Repair and overhaul facility | 14 |
Attention to detail | 13 |
Tasks: Repair and overhaul, modify, install and test aircraft electrical systems and equipment | 13 |
Tasks: Ensure that the installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety | 12 |
Tasks: Test electrical, electronic and instrument components | 12 |
Tasks: Troubleshoot, repair and overhaul, test, modify, install and inspect aircraft electronic systems and components including communications, navigation, and autoflight equipment | 12 |
Own Tools/Equipment: Tools | 11 |
In Alberta, avionics technicians need a related 2-year diploma from an institute of technology.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
To expand or narrow your program options, visit Post-Secondary Programs and start your search with:
Completing a program does not guarantee entrance into an occupation. Before enrolling in an education program, prospective students should look into various sources for education options and employment possibilities. For example, contact associations and employers in this field.
Certain professional titles or duties within this occupation are protected by provincial legislation. Requirements vary if you use these titles or perform these duties.
The related legislation is shown below. If there are multiple related legislations, select a certification heading to learn about each one.
A Certified Technician (C.Tech.) is an applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professional. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register with the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the protected title Certified Technician (C.Tech.).
You do not have to register if you do not call yourself a Certified Technician.
For information on what you need and other details, visit the certification profile Certified Technician.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
To find work, graduates of avionics programs may need to move to small or remote locations, such as in the north.
Most avionics technicians work with:
Most companies have training programs to help workers improve their skills. Most technicians find work in their specialty. Some become supervisors or managers.
This section shows the industries where the majority of people in this occupation work. The data is based on the 2016 Census.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
2016 NOC: 2244
83.6% of people in this occupational group work in:
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
This section shows the short-term demand forecasted for this occupation in Alberta over a 3-year period. It also shows the number of people employed in the occupation.
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2021 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2023-2025 Alberta Short-Term Employment Forecast
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
To see data for all occupations, visit Occupations in Demand.
This section shows the employment outlook for this occupation in Alberta over a 5-year period.
Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
In Alberta, this occupation is part of 1 or more 2016 National Occupational Classification (NOC) groups.
Source: 2021-2025 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook
Annual growth is from 2021 to 2025. New positions created each year are in addition to job openings created by employment turnover.
NOC groups often include several related occupations. Although there is labour market data for the larger NOC group, this occupation makes up only a part of that group. It means data for this occupation may be different than the data shown. For examples, see Note.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
Avionics technicians are part of the larger 2016 National Occupational Classification 2244: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors.
According to the 2021 Alberta Wage and Salary Survey, Albertans in the Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors occupational group earned on average from $22.13 to $44.53 an hour. The overall average was $31.12 an hour. For more information, see the Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors wage profile.
Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) website: aea.net
Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta - ASET website: www.aset.ab.ca
Canadian Council for Aviation and Aerospace website: www.avaerocouncil.ca
Transport Canada website: tc.gc.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 31, 2022. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.