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Coast GuardRating: AET
Aviation Electrical Technician
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Coast Guard Aviation Electrical Technicians — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AET has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Coast Guard in the first place.
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$46K–$145K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
8
Resume Examples
10
Federal GS Series
5
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
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Military Role Overview
Coast Guard Aviation 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 Aviation 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 ClearanceSecret (minimum)
ASVAB RequirementAR+MK+EI+GS=220
TrainingAET 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 ServiceFAA 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 matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Coast Guard mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Aviation Electrical Technician
$46K–$86K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
10 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Aviation Electrical Technicians lands within the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your 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 Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avionics Technician O*NET: 49-2091.00 | Aerospace / Aviation | $75,710 | Faster than average (7%) | strong |
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation / MRO | $75,400 | About as fast as average (6%) | strong |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologist O*NET: 17-3023.00 | Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace | $72,800 | Little or no change | strong |
Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial/Industrial O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Utilities / Defense | $66,830 | Little or no change (-1%) | moderate |
Telecommunications Equipment Installer O*NET: 49-2022.00 | Telecommunications / IT | $61,740 | Decline (-7%) | moderate |
Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer O*NET: 49-9051.00 | Utilities / Energy | $85,560 | About as fast as average (7%) | moderate |
Computer Network Support Specialist O*NET: 15-1231.00 | IT / Defense / Government | $62,760 | About as fast as average (6%) | moderate |
Quality Control Inspector O*NET: 51-9061.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense | $45,640 | Little or no change (-5%) | moderate |
Avionics Technician
Aerospace / Aviation
$75,710median
Faster than average (7%)
O*NET: 49-2091.00
Aircraft Mechanic / Service Technician
Aviation / MRO
$75,400median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 49-3011.00
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologist
Manufacturing / Defense / Aerospace
$72,800median
Little or no change
O*NET: 17-3023.00
Electrical and Electronics Repairer, Commercial/Industrial
Manufacturing / Utilities / Defense
$66,830median
Little or no change (-1%)
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Telecommunications Equipment Installer
Telecommunications / IT
$61,740median
Decline (-7%)
O*NET: 49-2022.00
Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer
Utilities / Energy
$85,560median
About as fast as average (7%)
O*NET: 49-9051.00
Computer Network Support Specialist
IT / Defense / Government
$62,760median
About as fast as average (6%)
O*NET: 15-1231.00
Quality Control Inspector
Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense
$45,640median
Little or no change (-5%)
O*NET: 51-9061.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Major defense electronics prime contractor. Avionics integration, sensor systems, electronic warfare. Strong match for AET sensor and communication system experience.
Builds the HC-130J. Avionics engineering, test, and sustainment positions. Actively recruits military aviation maintainers.
Manufacturer of the MH-60 Jayhawk. Field service, avionics test, and production technician positions. AET MH-60 experience is directly relevant.
One of the largest independent MRO providers. Helicopter and fixed-wing engine and avionics overhaul. Multiple US locations.
Cessna and Beechcraft manufacturer. Service centers nationwide. SkillBridge participant.
Major avionics OEM — flight management systems, displays, communication suites. Test technician and field support positions.
Aviation safety inspector, electronics technician, and airway transportation system specialist positions. GS-0856 and GS-2101 series.
CBP operates a large aircraft fleet for border security. Aviation maintenance and avionics positions. DHS connection means CG background is well understood.
Avionics manufacturer — GPS, autopilot, communication, and flight display systems. Test engineering and technical support roles.
Defense electronics — sensor systems, EW, and naval electronics. Field service and test technician positions.
Major airline with one of the largest in-house MRO operations. Avionics and line maintenance technician positions at TechOps facilities.
Unmanned systems, sensor integration, and electronic warfare programs. AET sensor experience transfers to UAS maintenance and test.
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Real Coast Guard success story
“I'm not working in the career field I want to be in. But the services provided has helped me land an interview with the Government. Now I wait to see if they select me for the position.”
Victor· Chief Petty Officer (E-7)· Coast Guard
→ Federal Safety & Occupational HealthFederal 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.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0855 | Electronics Engineering | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0850 | Electrical Engineering | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1550 | Computer Science | GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free · No credit card · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Air Traffic Controller
$144,580
Transportation(O*NET: 53-2021.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (Slower than average)
Deep familiarity with aircraft navigation and radar systemsSustained focus under high-consequence pressureRapid decision-making with safety on the lineDisciplined communication procedures
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.
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.
Power Plant Operator
$103,600
Energy and Utilities(O*NET: 51-8013.00)BLS OEWS May 2024-2% (Decline)
Monitoring complex electrical and control systemsInterpreting instrumentation and abnormal readingsElectrical fault diagnosisOperating under strict safety protocols
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.
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.
Wind Turbine Service Technician
$62,580
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 49-9081.00)BLS OEWS May 202460% (Much faster than average)
Diagnosing electrical and control faults in remote systemsReading wiring and schematic diagramsWorking safely at height around high-voltage equipmentSelf-directed troubleshooting away from base support
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.
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.
Elevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
$106,580
Building Systems(O*NET: 47-4021.00)BLS OEWS May 20246% (Faster than average)
Electrical and electronic control diagnosticsReading wiring and logic schematicsCalibrating and testing safety-critical systemsTroubleshooting motor and sensor circuits
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.
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.
Medical Equipment Repairer
$62,630
Healthcare(O*NET: 49-9062.00)BLS OEWS May 202413% (Much faster than average)
Precision electronic diagnostics and calibrationSystematic fault isolation on complex devicesCertifying equipment as safe for useRepair documentation to specification
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.
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.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
$51,860
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 47-2231.00)BLS OEWS May 20243% (Slower than average)
Wiring and connecting electrical systemsReading electrical diagrams and specificationsTesting and commissioning DC and AC circuitsWorking safely with energized systems
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.
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.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
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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 (Military)
Performed bench checks on 12 radar altimeter units and operational tests on MH-60T integrated avionics suite following software upgrade
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Maintained 97% mission readiness rate across 4 MH-60T aircraft, enabling 200+ SAR and law enforcement sorties annually
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Identified and resolved 3 intermittent radar altimeter faults across the fleet using wiring diagram analysis, signal tracing, and time-domain reflectometry
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Served as COMSEC custodian responsible for $1.2M in classified cryptographic equipment and keying material across 4 aircraft platforms
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Led 6-person avionics maintenance crew through 200+ scheduled and unscheduled maintenance actions with zero rework
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Conducted 150+ corrosion inspections and preventive maintenance actions on MH-65D fleet operating in saltwater environment, preventing $500K+ in unscheduled repairs
After (Civilian)
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 (Military)
Documented all maintenance actions in ALMIS and aircraft logbooks per COMDTINST M13020.1 series directives, maintaining audit-ready records
After (Civilian)
Maintained comprehensive equipment service records in compliance with federal regulatory requirements, ensuring all documentation met audit standards and legal traceability requirements
Before (Military)
Qualified on MH-60T, MH-65D, and HC-144A avionics systems, maintaining proficiency across 3 distinct aircraft platforms simultaneously
After (Civilian)
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
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
RequiredFederal Aviation Administration
Cost: $150-$900 (exam fees)Time: 1-2 weeks testing if military competency routeGI Bill Eligible
Industry 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)
RecommendedFederal Communications Commission
Cost: $50-$200 (exam fees)Time: 2-4 weeks study
Required 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 Specialist
BeneficialIPC
Cost: $300-$800Time: 3-5 days
Industry standard for wire harness fabrication and repair. AET aircraft wiring experience is directly applicable.
Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+
RequiredCompTIA
Cost: $400-$600Time: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Required for DoD 8570/8140 compliance. Gateway to federal IT and cybersecurity positions. AET encrypted communications experience provides foundational knowledge.
CompTIA A+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $500-$700 (2 exams)Time: 1-2 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Foundation IT certification. AET electronics troubleshooting skills cover much of the hardware content.
Operations Management
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt
BeneficialASQ / IASSC
Cost: $300-$500Time: 2-3 monthsGI Bill Eligible
Process improvement methodology valued across industries. AET troubleshooting and maintenance process experience provides practical examples for certification.
CQA (Certified Quality Auditor)
BeneficialASQ
Cost: $400-$600Time: 2-3 months prepGI Bill Eligible
Quality auditing credential valued in manufacturing and aerospace. AET inspection and documentation experience is directly relevant.
Project Management
PMP (Project Management Professional)
RecommendedProject Management Institute
Cost: $555 (PMI member)Time: 2-3 months prepGI Bill Eligible
Gold standard for project management. AET maintenance team leadership and project coordination hours count toward the experience requirement.
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150-$300Time: 4 days
Standard safety certification for non-construction industries. Can complete online. Starting point for EHS career transition.
CSP (Certified Safety Professional)
RecommendedBoard of Certified Safety Professionals
Cost: $350-$500 (exam)Time: 3-6 months prepGI Bill Eligible
Premier safety credential. Military aviation safety experience counts toward the experience requirement. Opens doors to senior EHS positions.
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
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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 veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AET resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
3Days 60–90
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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