Home / Military to civilian jobs / Coast Guard / AET

Coast GuardRating AET

Avionics Electrical Technician

That is Coast Guard Rating AET. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.

What is in this guide

Salary range
$46K to $145K
Career paths
14
Federal GS series
10
Companies hiring
12
Resume examples
8
Certification paths
5
Questions answered
10

What the translation looks like

How it reads in service

Performed bench checks on 12 radar altimeter units and operational tests on MH-60T integrated avionics suite following software upgrade

How a hiring manager reads it

Executed comprehensive diagnostic testing on 12 electronic units and validated integrated system performance following software migration, verifying all subsystems met operational specifications before returning to service


Roles this background maps to

  • Avionics Technician$75,710
  • Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician$75,400
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologist$72,800

Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024

Build a resume for a real job

You pick the job. We write it from your AET experience. Free to start.

Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder

After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 75,916 resumes built so far.

Get a free AET Avionics Electrical Technician sample resume

One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.

Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.

What the job actually is

Coast Guard Avionics Electrical Technicians (AET) maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the electrical and avionics systems on Coast Guard rotary and fixed-wing aircraft. This includes flight instrument systems, autopilot, radar altimeters, navigation suites, communication radios, weather radar, FLIR/EO sensor turrets, and mission-specific electronics such as direction-finding equipment used in search and rescue.

AETs complete the Avionics Electrical Technician 'A' School at the Coast Guard Aviation Technical Training Center (ATTC) in Elizabeth City, North Carolina — roughly 26 weeks of hands-on instruction covering AC/DC circuits, digital electronics, aircraft wiring, avionics test equipment, and Coast Guard-specific airframe systems including the MH-60 Jayhawk and HC-130 Hercules. Advanced AETs may attend manufacturer-specific courses for integrated avionics suites, glass cockpit upgrades, and encrypted communications systems.

What separates AETs from civilian avionics technicians is the operational tempo and breadth of responsibility. Coast Guard aircraft fly search and rescue, maritime law enforcement, environmental protection, and homeland security missions — often in severe weather and at night. AETs troubleshoot systems between flights, in the hangar, and occasionally on the flight line at remote air stations from Kodiak, Alaska to Clearwater, Florida. That combination of depth across multiple aircraft systems and the ability to diagnose problems under operational pressure is what makes AETs valuable to civilian employers.

AETs sit at the intersection of aviation maintenance and electrical systems — translating to FAA A&P licensing, federal electronics technician roles, and DoD aviation programs. I worked across federal hiring on the engineering side and CG AETs land at NOAA Aviation, FAA, and major airframer roles when the resume captures both the troubleshooting depth and systems-level work. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder

Security clearance
Secret (minimum)
ASVAB requirement
AR+MK+EI+GS=220
Training
AET A School at ATTC Elizabeth City, NC (~26 weeks). Covers AC/DC theory, digital electronics, aircraft wiring, avionics troubleshooting, and platform-specific systems. Advanced courses include manufacturer training for MH-60T, MH-65D, HC-130J, and HC-144A avionics suites.
Certs earned in service
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) eligibility after 18+ months experience, Avionics system qualifications (platform-specific), First Aid/CPR/AED, HAZMAT awareness

Pay reality check

The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?

Coast Guard mid-career

$58K to $82K

E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.

Civilian Avionics Electrical Technician

$46K to $86K

BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.

Federal, GS-9 to GS-13

$58K to $120K

10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.

Comparable on average

Civilian pay for Avionics Electrical Technicians lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.

Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.

Private sector career paths

AETs have some of the most directly transferable skills in the Coast Guard. The commercial aviation and aerospace industries need avionics technicians, and the pipeline of qualified technicians has not kept up with fleet growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a median annual wage of $75,400 (May 2024, O*NET 49-3011.00), with avionics technicians earning a median of $75,710 (49-2091.00). Employment for avionics technicians is projected to grow 7%, faster than average.

AETs who earned their FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate — or who qualify based on 18+ months of documented military aviation maintenance experience — can go directly into civilian avionics shops. For those targeting MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, your experience troubleshooting integrated avionics suites across multiple airframes is exactly what they are hiring for. The HC-130 and MH-60 platforms share systems with civilian variants, which makes the technical knowledge transfer nearly seamless.

Beyond traditional aviation, the defense electronics sector and unmanned aerial systems (UAS) industry are growing rapidly. AETs with experience in radar, FLIR, and encrypted communication systems have skill sets that transfer directly into defense contractor positions for sensor integration, electronic warfare test, and avionics engineering support.

Civilian job title translations

Civilian job titleIndustryBLS median salaryOutlookMatch
Avionics TechnicianO*NET 49-2091.00Aerospace / Aviation$75,710Faster than average (7%)strong
Aircraft Mechanic / Service TechnicianO*NET 49-3011.00Aviation / MRO$75,400About as fast as average (6%)strong
Electrical and Electronics Engineering TechnologistO*NET 17-3023.00Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace$72,800Little or no changestrong
Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial/IndustrialO*NET 49-2094.00Manufacturing / Utilities / Defense$66,830Little or no change (-1%)moderate
Telecommunications Equipment InstallerO*NET 49-2022.00Telecommunications / IT$61,740Decline (-7%)moderate
Electrical Power-Line Installer/RepairerO*NET 49-9051.00Utilities / Energy$85,560About as fast as average (7%)moderate
Computer Network Support SpecialistO*NET 15-1231.00IT / Defense / Government$62,760About as fast as average (6%)moderate
Quality Control InspectorO*NET 51-9061.00Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense$45,640Little or no change (-5%)moderate

Companies that hire this background

L3Harris TechnologiesMilitary Veteran Careers

Major defense electronics prime contractor. Avionics integration, sensor systems, electronic warfare. Strong match for AET sensor and communication system experience.

Lockheed MartinMilitary & Veteran Hiring

Builds the HC-130J. Avionics engineering, test, and sustainment positions. Actively recruits military aviation maintainers.

Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin)

Manufacturer of the MH-60 Jayhawk. Field service, avionics test, and production technician positions. AET MH-60 experience is directly relevant.

StandardAero

One of the largest independent MRO providers. Helicopter and fixed-wing engine and avionics overhaul. Multiple US locations.

Textron AviationMilitary Skills Translator

Cessna and Beechcraft manufacturer. Service centers nationwide. SkillBridge participant.

Collins Aerospace (RTX)

Major avionics OEM — flight management systems, displays, communication suites. Test technician and field support positions.

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

Aviation safety inspector, electronics technician, and airway transportation system specialist positions. GS-0856 and GS-2101 series.

Customs and Border Protection Air & Marine

CBP operates a large aircraft fleet for border security. Aviation maintenance and avionics positions. DHS connection means CG background is well understood.

Garmin Aviation

Avionics manufacturer — GPS, autopilot, communication, and flight display systems. Test engineering and technical support roles.

Leonardo DRS

Defense electronics — sensor systems, EW, and naval electronics. Field service and test technician positions.

Delta Air LinesTechOps Careers

Major airline with one of the largest in-house MRO operations. Avionics and line maintenance technician positions at TechOps facilities.

Northrop GrummanMilitary Veterans

Unmanned systems, sensor integration, and electronic warfare programs. AET sensor experience transfers to UAS maintenance and test.

See a salary you want? Build a resume aimed at it.

BMR rewrites your AET experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.

Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.

Build My Resume Free

Already have a resume? Get it graded straight.

Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the AET lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow. No account. Sign up and tailor it like they did.

Free. We keep it 30 days so you never upload it twice.

Score my resume free

See a finished resume for this background

Avionics technician resume example (military to civilian): the whole page, the lines that changed, and the words the posts use. Built from AET work.

See the example

A Coast Guard story from the same road

Christopher, success story
“I used the resume your site built for me to apply for my first-ever position on USAJOBS, and I was selected for a GS-13 position writing policy for the same type of work I did while on active duty. First pitch- Home Run!”

Christopher · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Coast Guard · Federal Policy

Read the full story

Federal career paths

The federal government is one of the largest employers of aviation electronics and electrical talent. AETs should look well beyond the obvious FAA positions — agencies across the DoD, DHS, and DOT need people who can maintain, inspect, and manage complex electronic systems.

The Electronics Technician series (GS-0856) is the most direct match and covers positions at FAA maintenance facilities, military depots, and DHS aviation units. But AETs also qualify for Electrical Engineering Technician (GS-0802) roles, particularly those involving systems integration and test. For AETs with IT-adjacent experience — network-enabled avionics, encrypted data links, software-defined radios — the Information Technology Management series (GS-2210) opens up positions across every federal agency.

Safety-oriented AETs can target Safety Management (GS-0018) and Safety Technician (GS-0019) positions, especially at agencies with aviation operations. Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910) roles at defense maintenance depots are strong matches for AETs who performed aircraft acceptance inspections or quality control. Equipment Specialist (GS-1670) and Industrial Specialist (GS-1150) positions align with the depot-level maintenance and supply chain side of the house.

Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 additional points on federal hiring assessments. Apply to positions at or below GS-11 initially where preference has the strongest impact, and start building your USAJobs profile at least six months before separation.

Federal series and position matches

SeriesFederal job titleTypical gradesMatchExplore
GS-0856Electronics TechnicianGS-9, GS-11, GS-125 of 5View details
GS-2210Information Technology ManagementGS-9, GS-114 of 5View details
GS-0802Engineering TechnicianGS-9, GS-11, GS-124 of 5View details
GS-0855Electronics EngineeringGS-9, GS-114 of 5View details
GS-0850Electrical EngineeringGS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-0018Safety and Occupational Health ManagementGS-9, GS-11, GS-123 of 5View details
GS-0019Safety TechnicianGS-7, GS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-0301Miscellaneous Administration and ProgramGS-7, GS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-1910Quality AssuranceGS-9, GS-113 of 5View details
GS-1550Computer ScienceGS-9, GS-112 of 5View details

Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.

Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.

Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.

Build My Federal Resume Free

Want to change careers entirely?

Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.

Air Traffic Controller$144,580 median · Transportation · O*NET 53-2021.00

An AET already lives inside aircraft nav, comms, and radar systems and operates where a mistake is not survivable. Controlling traffic is the operations side of that same aviation world, trading the toolbox for the scope.

Transfers: Deep familiarity with aircraft navigation and radar systems, Sustained focus under high-consequence pressure, Rapid decision-making with safety on the line, Disciplined communication procedures.

How to get there: Apply through the FAA hiring pipeline (preferential consideration for those under 31 at appointment) or a CTI/AT-CTI college program, then the FAA Academy in Oklahoma City. Military aviation background is a genuine edge.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (Slower than average)

Power Plant Operator$103,600 median · Energy and Utilities · O*NET 51-8013.00

Reading a control room full of electrical and instrumentation data and reacting before a fault cascades is exactly the situational skill an AET uses troubleshooting aircraft power and sensor systems.

Transfers: Monitoring complex electrical and control systems, Interpreting instrumentation and abnormal readings, Electrical fault diagnosis, Operating under strict safety protocols.

How to get there: Most operators start as auxiliary or equipment operators and train on the job for several years; NERC certification is common for control-room roles. A process or power-technology degree speeds entry.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · -2% (Decline)

Wind Turbine Service Technician$62,580 median · Renewable Energy · O*NET 49-9081.00

Turbines are essentially electrical-mechanical systems packed with sensors and controllers, diagnosed by one technician working alone in a tough environment. An AET who isolated faults on a flight line already has the core skill.

Transfers: Diagnosing electrical and control faults in remote systems, Reading wiring and schematic diagrams, Working safely at height around high-voltage equipment, Self-directed troubleshooting away from base support.

How to get there: A one-year wind-energy technician certificate or two-year associate degree, plus GWO safety training. It is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the country and welcomes electronics-savvy veterans.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 60% (Much faster than average)

Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer$106,580 median · Building Systems · O*NET 47-4021.00

Modern elevators run on electrical controls, sensors, and safety logic. The fault-isolation discipline an AET uses on aircraft electrical systems transfers directly into a high-paying unionized trade.

Transfers: Electrical and electronic control diagnostics, Reading wiring and logic schematics, Calibrating and testing safety-critical systems, Troubleshooting motor and sensor circuits.

How to get there: Enter through the NEIEP apprenticeship sponsored by the IUEC, a four-year paid program. Documented military electronics experience strengthens the application.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 6% (Faster than average)

Medical Equipment Repairer$62,630 median · Healthcare · O*NET 49-9062.00

Biomedical equipment is dense electronics that has to work right when a life depends on it, the same standard an AET holds for aircraft systems. The troubleshooting method carries over from the flight line to the hospital floor.

Transfers: Precision electronic diagnostics and calibration, Systematic fault isolation on complex devices, Certifying equipment as safe for use, Repair documentation to specification.

How to get there: An associate degree in biomedical equipment technology is the standard entry, though some employers train experienced electronics technicians. The AAMI CBET certification accelerates advancement.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 13% (Much faster than average)

Solar Photovoltaic Installer$51,860 median · Renewable Energy · O*NET 47-2231.00

Photovoltaic systems are DC and AC electrical work end to end, from wiring panels to commissioning inverters. An AET who built and tested aircraft electrical circuits has the foundation already.

Transfers: Wiring and connecting electrical systems, Reading electrical diagrams and specifications, Testing and commissioning DC and AC circuits, Working safely with energized systems.

How to get there: Short trade-school or on-the-job training plus the NABCEP PV credential for advancement. It is an accessible entry point into the growing clean-energy electrical field.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (Slower than average)

Pivoting industries does not mean starting from scratch.

The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.

Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.

Tailor My Resume to a New Career

Skills translation guide

If you are applying to avionics shops, MRO facilities, or defense electronics companies, your terminology translates directly — they know what FLIR means, they know what a wire bundle is, they know what an avionics bench check looks like. This section is for AETs targeting careers outside of aviation and electronics — project management, operations, corporate technical roles, or any position where the hiring manager has never seen an aircraft maintenance log.

Resume bullet examples

Before, in service

Performed bench checks on 12 radar altimeter units and operational tests on MH-60T integrated avionics suite following software upgrade

After, on the resume

Executed comprehensive diagnostic testing on 12 electronic units and validated integrated system performance following software migration, verifying all subsystems met operational specifications before returning to service

Before, in service

Maintained 97% mission readiness rate across 4 MH-60T aircraft, enabling 200+ SAR and law enforcement sorties annually

After, on the resume

Maintained 97% equipment uptime across a fleet of 4 high-value assets, enabling the team to exceed annual operational targets by 15% through proactive maintenance scheduling and rapid fault isolation

Before, in service

Identified and resolved 3 intermittent radar altimeter faults across the fleet using wiring diagram analysis, signal tracing, and time-domain reflectometry

After, on the resume

Resolved 3 recurring system failures that had evaded previous repair attempts by applying systematic root cause analysis, technical documentation review, and advanced diagnostic instrumentation, reducing unplanned downtime by 40%

Before, in service

Served as COMSEC custodian responsible for $1.2M in classified cryptographic equipment and keying material across 4 aircraft platforms

After, on the resume

Managed classified information security program covering $1.2M in secure communications infrastructure, maintaining zero security incidents through rigorous inventory control, access management, and compliance with federal information handling requirements

Before, in service

Led 6-person avionics maintenance crew through 200+ scheduled and unscheduled maintenance actions with zero rework

After, on the resume

Managed a team of 6 technical specialists, coordinating daily work assignments, mentoring junior staff, and maintaining a zero-rework quality record across 200+ completed service actions

Before, in service

Conducted 150+ corrosion inspections and preventive maintenance actions on MH-65D fleet operating in saltwater environment, preventing $500K+ in unscheduled repairs

After, on the resume

Implemented preventive maintenance program across fleet of high-value assets in corrosive operating environment, conducting 150+ scheduled inspections and reducing unplanned repair costs by an estimated $500K annually

Before, in service

Documented all maintenance actions in ALMIS and aircraft logbooks per COMDTINST M13020.1 series directives, maintaining audit-ready records

After, on the resume

Maintained comprehensive equipment service records in compliance with federal regulatory requirements, ensuring all documentation met audit standards and legal traceability requirements

Before, in service

Qualified on MH-60T, MH-65D, and HC-144A avionics systems, maintaining proficiency across 3 distinct aircraft platforms simultaneously

After, on the resume

Cross-trained and certified on 3 distinct product lines with different system architectures, demonstrating rapid technical learning and the ability to maintain proficiency across multiple complex configurations simultaneously

Get bullets like these written from your own record.

BMR turns your AET duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.

Free to start. Tailored to each posting.

Generate My Resume Bullets

Certifications by career path

Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.

Aviation Maintenance

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)Federal Aviation Administration

RequiredCost $150-$900 (exam fees)Time 1-2 weeks testing if military competency routeGI Bill eligibleIndustry standard for aircraft maintenance. AETs with 18+ months documented experience may qualify through military competency exam — no civilian school needed.

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)Federal Communications Commission

RecommendedCost $50-$200 (exam fees)Time 2-4 weeks studyRequired for some avionics shops and communication system work. AET radio and radar experience covers much of the exam content.

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Certified Wire Harness SpecialistIPC

BeneficialCost $300-$800Time 3-5 daysIndustry standard for wire harness fabrication and repair. AET aircraft wiring experience is directly applicable.

Cybersecurity

CompTIA Security+CompTIA

RequiredCost $400-$600Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleRequired for DoD 8570/8140 compliance. Gateway to federal IT and cybersecurity positions. AET encrypted communications experience provides foundational knowledge.

CompTIA A+CompTIA

RecommendedCost $500-$700 (2 exams)Time 1-2 months studyGI Bill eligibleFoundation IT certification. AET electronics troubleshooting skills cover much of the hardware content.

Operations Management

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltASQ / IASSC

BeneficialCost $300-$500Time 2-3 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology valued across industries. AET troubleshooting and maintenance process experience provides practical examples for certification.

CQA (Certified Quality Auditor)ASQ

BeneficialCost $400-$600Time 2-3 months prepGI Bill eligibleQuality auditing credential valued in manufacturing and aerospace. AET inspection and documentation experience is directly relevant.

Project Management

PMP (Project Management Professional)Project Management Institute

RecommendedCost $555 (PMI member)Time 2-3 months prepGI Bill eligibleGold standard for project management. AET maintenance team leadership and project coordination hours count toward the experience requirement.

Safety & EHS

OSHA 30-Hour General IndustryOSHA

RecommendedCost $150-$300Time 4 daysStandard safety certification for non-construction industries. Can complete online. Starting point for EHS career transition.

CSP (Certified Safety Professional)Board of Certified Safety Professionals

RecommendedCost $350-$500 (exam)Time 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligiblePremier safety credential. Military aviation safety experience counts toward the experience requirement. Opens doors to senior EHS positions.

Got a cert? Do not bury it.

Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.

Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.

Build My Resume the Right Way

Transition resources

For Staying in Aviation & Electronics

FAA A&P Certificate: If you have 18+ months of documented military aircraft maintenance experience, you may qualify for the FAA Airframe & Powerplant certificate by completing the military competency exam administered by a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME). The FAA's mechanic certification page details the process and requirements. Do not pay for A&P school if you can test directly — verify your eligibility first.

SkillBridge Programs: Several MRO companies and defense contractors participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing AETs to work civilian aviation jobs during their last 180 days of service. Search the SkillBridge database for current openings. Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and Textron Aviation have historically participated.

Industry Associations: The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) provides networking, job boards, and scholarship opportunities for avionics professionals. AEA membership is valuable for connecting with avionics shops and OEMs.

For Careers Outside of Aviation

Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard for transitioning into project management. Your experience managing aircraft maintenance schedules, coordinating with supply chains, and leading maintenance teams counts toward the experience requirement. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam.

IT & Cybersecurity: If your avionics work included network-enabled systems or encrypted communications, the CompTIA Security+ certification is a strong entry point into federal and defense IT roles. Many DoD positions require it under DoD 8570/8140 compliance.

Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies for AETs: FAA, USCG Civilian, DHS, NAVAIR, AFSC depots, and NASA. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.

Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives — you get paired with someone in your target industry. Completely free for veterans.

Education Benefits: Many certification exam fees and prep courses are covered by the GI Bill. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.

Clearance Leverage: If you hold an active Secret or higher clearance, that has real market value. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Don't let yours lapse during transition — it stays active for up to 24 months after separation.

BMR Career Resources

Coast Guard Resume Guide | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free

Your 30, 60, 90-day transition plan

Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.

Days 0 to 30

Set the foundation

  • Pull your DD-214 (request it from milConnect if you are already separated)
  • List your top three civilian roles and your top three GS series
  • Build your tailored AET resume, free
  • Write one strong LinkedIn headline, not "veteran seeking opportunities"
  • Gather your evals and performance reports for the accomplishments
Build my resume free

Days 30 to 60

Apply with intent

  • Apply to five to ten jobs a week, quality over volume
  • Tailor every resume to the announcement (BMR does this part for you)
  • Connect with five people a week on LinkedIn, not a spray
  • Set up a USAJOBS profile and a saved search for your GS series
  • Say your bullets out loud to a civilian friend and fix what they do not follow
Tailor my next resume

Days 60 to 90

Close the offer

  • Track every application: date, status, contact, notes
  • Follow up seven to ten days after each one
  • Prep behavioral interviews with the STAR method
  • Negotiate. The BLS median is your floor, not the offer
  • Keep applying after the first offer. Options are the leverage
Track my applications

Questions about AET

Do I need an FAA A&P certificate to work as a civilian avionics technician?

Many employers require or strongly prefer it. The good news: AETs with 18+ months of documented military aircraft maintenance experience can qualify to take the FAA Airframe & Powerplant exams directly through the military competency process, without attending a civilian A&P school. Contact a Designated Mechanic Examiner (DME) with your training records and maintenance logs to verify eligibility.

What is the median salary for avionics technicians?

According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for avionics technicians is $75,710 (O*NET 49-2091.00). Aircraft mechanics and service technicians earn a median of $75,400 (49-3011.00). Specialized roles at airlines or defense contractors may exceed these medians, but BLS does not track those specialties separately.

What if I want to leave aviation entirely?

Many AETs transition into project management (BLS median $100,750), IT and cybersecurity (BLS median $120,360 for information security analysts), quality assurance ($100,560 for QA managers), and operations management ($102,950). Your transferable skills — systematic troubleshooting, technical documentation, team coordination under time pressure, equipment lifecycle management — are valued across industries. See the Career Change Paths section for specifics.

Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?

Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and some energy companies specifically recruit cleared candidates. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions that require active clearances. Important: your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so start job searching before it lapses.

How does Veterans Preference work for federal jobs?

Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments. Disabled veterans receive 10 points. You will need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form for documentation. Some positions use Direct Hire Authority which can bypass normal competitive processes. Apply to positions at or below GS-11 initially where preference has the strongest impact. Build your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.

Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?

Depends on your target career. For aviation maintenance — you likely do not need a degree if you have your A&P certificate, but the GI Bill can cover advanced manufacturer courses. For IT or cybersecurity — certifications like Security+, CISSP, or CCNA give faster ROI than a 4-year degree. For engineering or management roles requiring a degree — many employers accept military experience combined with professional certifications in lieu of a bachelor's. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.

What certifications should I get before separating?

Prioritize based on your target career. For aviation: FAA A&P certificate if you qualify for the military competency exam — do this while you still have easy access to your training records. For IT/cyber: CompTIA Security+ (required for many DoD civilian positions). For project management: start PMP prep — your maintenance team leadership and project hours likely count toward the experience requirement. Universal: keep your First Aid/CPR current through separation.

Where are the best job markets for former AETs?

For aviation maintenance: major MRO hubs include Tulsa, Oklahoma City, Miami, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Seattle. Military depot cities (Warner Robins GA, Ogden UT, San Antonio TX) also have strong demand. For defense electronics: the DC Metro, San Diego, Huntsville AL, and Melbourne FL corridors are major centers. Remote positions are increasingly available for technical writing, program management, and cybersecurity roles.

Can I start job searching while still on active duty?

Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), and attend industry events like MRO Americas or A4A conferences if targeting aviation.

How do Coast Guard AET skills compare to Navy AT/AE ratings?

Coast Guard AETs cover a broader scope than Navy Aviation Electrician's Mates (AE) or Aviation Electronics Technicians (AT). Navy splits these into two separate ratings while the Coast Guard combines electrical and avionics into one. This means AETs typically have wider systems-level experience — employers in the civilian aviation industry see this as a strength because you can troubleshoot across the full aircraft electrical system rather than just one domain.

Turn your AET Avionics Electrical Technician experience into a resume that gets callbacks

Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.

2

Tailored resumes

Rewritten for each job posting

2

Cover letters

Matched to the role

∞

LinkedIn optimization

Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters

∞

Elevator pitch generator

For interviews and networking

2

Company research reports

Know who you are applying to

∞

Job tracker

Every application in one place

Start My Free ResumeFree for every veteran. Built by a Navy Diver veteran, 75,916 resumes built for the military community.