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Avionics Technician

Avionics technicians inspect, modify, install, maintain, repair, and certify the electronic equipment used on aircraft.

Also Known As

Aircraft Electronics Technician, Avionics Bench Technician, Avionics Line Technician, Mechanic, Service Technician

NOC Codes

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

  • 2244.1: Aircraft Instrument Mechanics and Technicians
  • 2244.2: Aircraft Electrical Mechanics and Technicians
  • 2244.3: Avionics Mechanics and Technicians

2006 NOC-S

  • C144: Aircraft Instrument, Electrical and Avionics Mechanics, Technicians and Inspectors

2011 NOC

  • 2244: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

2016 NOC

  • 2244: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

2021 NOC

  • 22313: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

2023 OaSIS

  • 22313.01: Aircraft instrument mechanics and technicians
  • 22313.02: Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians
  • 22313.03: Avionics mechanics and technicians
Duties
Updated Apr 05, 2022

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:

  • Keep installed avionics in good working order
  • Maintain and test systems in repair shops

They may help others:

  • Install, interface with, configure, and modify systems
  • Write technical documents
  • Work with customers
  • Make basic sheet metal parts
  • Update many types of aircraft technical records
  • Resolve problems with electrical, electromechanical, and electronic parts and systems
  • Follow and keep track of quality control guidelines

Avionics technicians may work as part of a team or alone. They may take charge of a project, shop, or specific system.

Working Conditions
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Strength Required Lift up to 20 kg

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.

Interests & Abilities

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.

Aircraft Instrument Mechanics and Technicians

2006 NOC: 2244.1

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

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

METHODICAL

Interest in testing instruments to ensure that they conform to operating specifications

innovative

Interest in analyzing data from equipment tests to diagnose causes of instrument malfunctions

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Aircraft Electrical Mechanics and Technicians

2006 NOC: 2244.2

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to test, overhaul, repair and modify electrical systems and equipment

METHODICAL

Interest in measuring voltage, current and resistance at specified locations when troubleshooting faults

innovative

Interest in analyzing data from observations of equipment in operation, by examinations of parts and from results of electrical tests, to diagnose faults

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Avionics Mechanics and Technicians

2006 NOC: 2244.3

Interest Codes

Interest Codes for This NOC Group
OBJECTIVE

Interest in precision working to modify, adjust and test avionics systems and equipment

METHODICAL

Interest in ensuring that installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of avionics systems meet established specifications

innovative

Interest in analyzing data from observations of equipment in operation, by examinations of parts and from results of electronic tests, to troubleshoot faults

Your Interest Codes

To identify or change your interest codes, complete the Interests Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Reading Interest Codes
A Quick Guide

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.

Learn About Interests

Abilities

Typical ability expectations for this NOC group
Your abilities

To fill in or change the values for your abilities, complete the Abilities Exercise in CAREERinsite.

Mental Abilities

General Learning Ability

Verbal Ability

Numerical Ability

Visual Abilities

Spatial Perception

Form Perception

Clerical Perception

Physical Abilities

Motor Coordination

Finger Dexterity

Manual Dexterity

Understanding Abilities

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.

Learn About Abilities

Traits & Skills
Updated Apr 05, 2022

Avionics technicians need:

  • Good writing and speaking skills
  • The ability to work alone and with others
  • An interest in taking more training as needed
  • Math skills
  • Patience for solving problems
  • Good colour vision
  • Manual dexterity

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.

Top 10 Skills Employers Are Looking For

Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors

2016 NOC: 2244

This chart shows which job skills are currently in highest demand for this occupational group. It was created using this occupation's 18 most recent Alberta job postings, collected between Nov 03, 2021 and Apr 22, 2024.

Review these skills to learn:

  • Whether or not this occupation matches your skill set
  • What training you may need to get these skills
  • What skills to highlight in your resumé, cover letter, and interview.
Health benefits: Health care plan
Health benefits: Dental plan
Type of Industry Experience: Repair and overhaul facility
Attention to detail
Tasks: Troubleshoot, repair, install and inspect aircraft systems and components
Tasks: Repair and overhaul, install, calibrate and test aircraft instruments
Tasks: Repair and overhaul, modify, install and test aircraft electrical systems and equipment
Tasks: Ensure that the installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
Tasks: Troubleshoot, repair and overhaul, test, modify, install and inspect aircraft electronic systems and components including communications, navigation, and autoflight equipment
Tasks: Inspect and test aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics systems
Educational Requirements
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Minimum Education 2 years post-secondary

In Alberta, avionics technicians need a related 2-year diploma from an institute of technology.


Related Education

The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.

Southern Alberta Institute of Technology

To expand or narrow your search for programs related to this occupation, visit Post-Secondary Programs.

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.

Certification Requirements
Updated Apr 05, 2022
  • Certification Provincially Regulated

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.

Certified Technician

Certified Technicians are applied science, information technology, or engineering technology professionals. They perform routine technical procedures with occasional direct supervision. They also may assume limited responsibility for decision-making processes.

Legislation

Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf] and ASET Regulation [pdf], you must register as a member of the Association of Science and Engineering Technology Professionals of Alberta (ASET) to use the 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.

Employment & Advancement
Updated Apr 05, 2022

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:

  • Airlines
  • General aviation companies
  • Federal transportation departments
  • The Canadian Armed Forces
  • Ground-based communications and navigation organizations
  • Maintenance, repair, and overhaul companies
  • Aircraft manufacturers

Most companies have training programs to help workers improve their skills. Most technicians find work in their specialty. Some become supervisors or managers.

Industry Concentration

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.

In the 2244: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors occupational group, 83.6% of people work in:

Employment Outlook

Employment outlook is influenced by a wide variety of factors including:

  • Time of year (for seasonal jobs)
  • Location in Alberta
  • Employment turnover (when people leave existing positions)
  • Occupational growth (when new positions are created)
  • Size of the occupation
  • Trends and events that affect overall employment, especially in the industry or industries from the previous list

In Alberta, the 2244: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 0% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 0 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.

Note
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 example, only some of the new positions to be created will be for this occupation. It also applies to other data for the NOC group such as number of people employed.

Source: 2019-2023 Alberta Regional Occupational Demand Outlook

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Related Alberta Job Postings
Wage & Salary
Updated Sep 29, 2022

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.

Related Post-Secondary Field of Study
  • Engineering and Science Technologies
  • Aviation
Other Sources of Information
Updated Apr 05, 2022

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.

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