If you like working with your hands and have a high electrical and mechanical aptitude, then you will want to strongly consider entering the Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician.
This is a demanding and important job that can enable you to see the world and pave a pathway to a well-paying civilian job.
Once you become a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician, you will join an elite group of navy enlisted personnel that helps keep the electronic systems and subsystems on the world’s most advanced aircraft in good working order.
Related Article – Navy Master At Arms (MA): Career Details
Here are some of the demands that are placed on those that call themselves Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians:
- Maintain, repair and calibrate a huge range of cutting-edge electronic equipment
- The equipment to be worked on includes communications, threat detection navigation, electronic countermeasures, and tracking & identification systems
- Some AT jobs may even involve working with nuclear-based electronic technologies such as nuclear reactor control, propulsion systems, and power generation on Navy nuclear-powered vessels
- May volunteer to become an AT on a flight crew
Wherever the Navy goes on air, sea, and land, a well-trained Aviation Electronics Technician will need to go with them to ensure the Navy’s many advanced electronic systems are kept working properly.
More on what a Navy Aviation Electronics technician does can be seen in the Youtube video below:
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Requirements and Qualifications
Training and Career Path
Pay and Benefits
What’s Life Like as a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician?
Job Reviews
Civilian Career Opportunities
Navy Aviation Electronics Technician Requirements and Qualifications
Here is what it takes to qualify to start training to become an enlisted US Navy Aviation Electronics Technician:
Educational Requirements
- High School Diploma
- GED
ASVAB Requirements
- Minimum combined ASVAB Score of 222 on Verbal Expression, Mechanical Comprehension, Arithmetic Reasoning and Math Knowledge.
-OR-
- Minimum combined ASVAB Score of 22 on Arithmetic Reasoning, General Science, Electronics Information, and Math Knowledge.
Additional Qualifications
- Be between the ages of 17 and 34 unless in possession of a waiver
- Be a United States Citizen
- Must have at least average physical strength and have good manual dexterity
- Normal color perception
- Normal hearing
- An electrical or mechanical background is preferred but not required
- Proficiency with computer use is also desired
- Successful completion of 8 weeks of Navy Basic Recruit Training held at Great Lakes Naval Training Center which is located on the western shore of Lake Michigan, close to Chicago. (Not required of those with prior military experience or training)
- Have to complete a current Single Scope Background Investigation (SSBI) that will allow that enlisted person to obtain a Secret or higher level security clearance
*** Note: For someone that wants to be a nuclear-related Aviation Electronics Technician (ATN), those jobs entail ASVAB scores and qualifications that will be even higher than this. ***
Related Article: US Navy Age Limits
Training and Career Path to Become a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician
Once a Seaman recruit has completed the requirements and qualifications stated above, they will then proceed on the following technical training path.
Navy Technical Training Information
Technical training starts with the AT Basic technical Training School held at Great Lakes Naval Training Center in Illinois.
This course in the fundamentals of electronics maintenance and troubleshooting lasts approximately 9 weeks.
After that, the trainee will proceed to the Class “A” Technical Training School at the Navy Technical Training Center (NATTC) located in Pensacola, Florida.
Here the Seaman recruit will spend 42 demanding weeks learning how to function as a seasoned Navy Aviation Electronics Technician.
This part of the technical training involves learning about such things as radar and advanced communications installation and repair.
On the Job Training
A short on the job training session is required for every new Navy Aviation Electronics Technician recruit once they arrive at their first duty assignment.
This on the job training period will further hone the new recruit’s skills to those that are related to their current electronics working environment.
How Much Are US Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians Paid?
US Navy Aviation Electronics Technician pay is based on the same enlisted pay scale as any other Navy job.
The two characteristics that determine a Navy enlisted member’s base pay are their current rank and the amount of time they have spent in the military.
Most new US Navy Airman will start out at the pay grade of Seaman Recruit (E-1). Some may have special skills or schooling that will allow them to start out as a Seaman Apprentice (E-2) or Seaman (E-3).
Here is the current pay table for Navy enlisted members based on rank and time in service:
| Insignia | Pay Grade | Rank | Abbreviation | 2023 Minimum Monthly Pay |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| N/A | E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | $1,773.00 |
 | E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | $2,149.20 |
 | E-3 | Seaman | SN | $2,259.90 |
 | E-4 | Petty Officer Third Class | PO3 | $2,503.50 |
 | E-5 | Petty Officer Second Class | PO2 | $2,730.30 |
 | E-6 | Petty Officer First Class | PO1 | $2,980.50 |
 | E-7 | Chief Petty Officer | CPO | $3,445.80 |
 | E-8 | Senior Chief Petty Officer | SCPO | $4,957.20 |
 | E-9 | Master Chief Petty Officer | MCPO | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Command Master Chief Petty Officer | CMDCM | $6,055.50 |
 | E-9 | Master Chief Petty Officer Of The Navy | MCPON | $6,055.50 |
Advancement through the Seamen ranks (E-1 to E-3) is done automatically based on time in grade.
Higher enlisted non-commissioned officer pay grades (E-4 and above) are achieved by a combination of test scores, job proficiency, and the amount of time spent in a current pay grade.
Miscellaneous Pay, Allowances, and Incentives
There are other forms of payment that may add to someone’s paycheck while they are serving their country in the Navy too.
These include:
- Housing allowance for those that live off base (BAH)
- Subsistence allowance (Food – BAS)
- Temporary duty pay
- Hazardous duty pay
- Sea duty pay (Separation pay)
- 100% paid healthcare
- Tuition reimbursement
Related Article: Navy Enlisted And Officer Ranks And Pay
What’s Life Like as a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician?
This is a demanding and challenging navy career field, to say the least, but it also comes with many rewards too.
Those who become Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians will feel the pressure of working in an intense, fast-paced environment where there is little room for error.
A workday will never be boring and there is ample downtime to pursue one’s own hobbies and interests too.
There is also a vast opportunity to travel the globe and see the world and make lifelong friends while being a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician.
Unless in wartime or under other unusual alert statuses, enlisted Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians are allowed weekly days off, rotating shore leave when in port, and 30-days yearly paid leave each year.
Aviation Electronics Technician Job Reviews
Here is what a few former Navy enlisted members had to say on the website Indeed.com about their experiences as a Navy Aviation Electronics Technician:
US Navy Aviation Electronics Technician Civilian Career Opportunities
This is a navy job that will lay a great foundation for future civilian employment.
In today’s modern world electrical troubleshooting related jobs are in very high demand and usually come with very good salaries too.
Ex-Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians should have little or no problem quickly finding rewarding civilian employment.
Related Article – Navy Aircrewman Career Details
Examples of positions that Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians typically fill are:
- Working as private contractors for the Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force, Coast Guard, Air Force Reserve, and US Government.
- Maintaining ground and tower control radar systems at airports
- Gaining employment with utility and communications companies
- Troubleshooting equipment for transportation and logistics companies
- Working in service departments for electrical goods and computer manufacturers
- Power grid service technicians
- Helping both domestic and cargo airlines maintain their avionics systems
Here are some examples of civilian companies that hire Ex-Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians:
- Lockheed Martin Corporation – Greenville, SC
- Sierra Nevada – Colorado Springs, CO
- PEMCO/Airborne – Tampa, FL
- Signature Flight Support – Frederick, MD
- Constant Aviation – Mesa, AZ
- Teledyne Controls – El Segundo, CA
- 1st Choice Aerospace – Miramar, FL
It must also be noted that the security clearance that any Ex-Navy Aviation Electronics Technician possesses can be a valuable commodity when job hunting.
References:
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Craig S.
Craig spent many years on active duty service in the Air Force stationed in such places as Okinawa, Japan and SAC Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska. While in the military, he spent time analyzing imagery from a variety of aircraft such as the SR-71. He was also one of the first enlisted members in the Air Force to experience working with near real time satellite imagery. Craig currently resides in the Outer Banks of North Carolina and runs his own business.
Latest posts by Craig S. (see all)
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FAQs
What does an aviation electronics technician do in the US Navy? ›
As an Aviation Electronics Technician (AT), you'll maintain, troubleshoot, repair and test complex electronic systems related to aviation on tactical jets, fixed wing aircraft or rotary winged helicopter systems.
How long is Navy Aviation Electronics Technician School? ›Navy Technical Training Information
Here the Seaman recruit will spend 42 demanding weeks learning how to function as a seasoned Navy Aviation Electronics Technician. This part of the technical training involves learning about such things as radar and advanced communications installation and repair.
Average US Navy Avionics Technician yearly pay in the United States is approximately $55,141, which meets the national average.
What rank is aviation electronics technician in the Navy? ›Navy Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer 1st Class is an official rank in the United States Navy. These techs repair advanced electronic systems and The Navy Rate you receive will be Petty Officer 1st Class and you will need to cut the rank to make 2nd and 3rd class.
Where do Navy aviation technicians get stationed? ›AMs may be assigned to sea or shore duty any place in the world, so working environments may vary considerably between assignments. In this role, you may be assigned to hangars, aircraft carrier flight decks, or even flight lines at air stations. AMs who volunteer as aircrew may work aboard aircraft.
What is the Navy rate for electronics technician? ›Average US Navy Electronics Technician yearly pay in the United States is approximately $54,959, which is 6% above the national average.
How long is Navy flight school? ›Student naval aviators progress through a significant training syllabus—typically 18 to 24 months for initial winging (designation) as naval aviators via either the advanced strike pipeline for those destined for fixed-wing aircraft such as fighter/bomber jets; the maritime pipeline for those en route to multi-engine, ...
Where is Navy electronics a school? ›ET "A" School (19 weeks) in Great Lakes, IL, for training in communications software and hardware including satellite communication, transmitters/receivers and radar.
What does AT2 mean in the Navy? ›Product Description. This is the appropriate rating patch for US Navy personnel with the rating of Aviation Electronics Technician AT1, AT2, or AT3.
What is the best aviation job in the Navy? ›The most well-known aviation jobs in the Navy belong to naval pilots. To become a naval fighter pilot, you must hold at least a bachelor's degree and undergo specialized and intense flight training.
How much does Blue Origin pay avionics systems engineers? ›
How much does an Avionics Engineer make at Blue Origin in the United States? Average Blue Origin Avionics Engineer yearly pay in the United States is approximately $138,775, which is 39% above the national average.
How much does a Navy ET make? ›How much does a Navy Electronics Technician make? As of May 27, 2023, the average hourly pay for a Navy Electronics Technician in the United States is $30.19 an hour.
How competitive is Navy aviation? ›If you are interested in becoming a United States Naval Aviator, you must first be aware that earning a commission in the United States Navy is very competitive, especially in naval aviation. You must determine if you meet the initial requirements to obtain a commission in the United States Navy.
What is the difference between an aircraft technician and an avionics technician? ›As an aircraft technician, you diagnose and repair mechanical and electrical problems on aircraft. Avionics technicians are specialists in the electronic instruments on various aircraft. As an avionics technician, your skills are more technical than mechanical.
What is tech school called in the Navy? ›What is A School in the Navy? Accession training, commonly known as A School, is where sailors go to receive technical training in their selected military occupational specialty (MOS) field.
How long is Navy aviation Mechanic school? ›Navy Technical Training Information
The Class “A” technical school for the technical training required to become a full fledged Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic takes place at the Navy Technical Training Center (NATTC) located in Pensacola, Florida. This technical training program lasts approximately 2 ½ months long.
Generally, aviators are assigned to fleet squadrons for 2 to 3 years and deploy once or twice, for about 6 months, aboard ships or at overseas bases.
Does the Navy have flight school? ›Naval Flight School consists of four phases: Aviation Pre-flight Indoctrination, Primary Flight Training, Intermediate Flight Training, and Advanced Flight Training. After completion of Advanced Flight Training, the Student Naval Aviator (SNA) receives their Wings Of Gold.
What is the average E 3 pay in the Navy? ›E3 Navy Salary in the United States. How much does an E3 Navy make in the United States? The salary range for an E3 Navy job is from $42,650 to $61,030 per year in the United States.
How much does an E 5 get paid in the Navy yearly? ›The estimated total pay for a E5 - Navy - Petty Officer Second Class at US Navy is $66,982 per year. This number represents the median, which is the midpoint of the ranges from our proprietary Total Pay Estimate model and based on salaries collected from our users. The estimated base pay is $61,113 per year.
How much does an E 2 get paid in the Navy a year? ›
The salaries of E2 - Seaman Apprentice (Navy)s in the US range from $15,437 to $24,462 , with a median salary of $19,615 .
Is Navy flight school hard? ›It is extremely hard to become a navy pilot.
Once accepted, extensive training begins and can be one to two years depending upon the vehicle of choice the young pilot student is selected to join.
If they have served at least three years on active duty, they have 36 months of Post 9/11 GI Bill entitlement they can use to help pay the cost of getting a commercial airline pilot certificate. There are two ways to use the GI Bill to pay for flight training: Vocational flight school. Four-year college degree program.
Do you get paid during Navy flight school? ›Student aviation officers receive $125 per month flight pay during flight training. The monthly amount of flight pay received depends on time in service and increases by hundreds of dollars within a few years to the current maximum of $1000.00 per month.
How long is Navy Boot Camp? ›While it's called Boot Camp, it's really a huge campus that includes both classroom and lots of hands-on training. The training is rigorous and demanding. And once you finish, it's something to be proud of. Here's what to expect throughout the 7- to 9-week schedule.
How long is tech school for the Navy? ›Search Navy.com
Upon completion of the initial 7–9 week Recruit Training (known as Boot Camp), those pursuing a Damage Controlmen role report to Basic Engineering Common Core and “A” School in Great Lakes, IL, where they receive 10 weeks of formal Navy technical training.
What Happens After Navy A School. After Navy A School Sailors are traditionally given ten days of leave. After their ten days of leave, they will check into their new unit at their first duty station. Sailor's with overseas duty stations may receive more than ten days of leave before having to report to their next unit ...
What does 2 for 7 mean in the Navy? ›Second class midshipmen sign the "2 for 7" contract to. commit to at least seven more years of service. including their final two years at the academy followed. by at least five years after graduation.
What does 0 6 mean in the Navy? ›In the United States Navy, captain was the highest rank from 1775 until 1857, when the United States Congress created the rank of flag officer. The modern rank of captain (abbreviated CAPT) is a senior officer rank, with the pay grade of O-6. It ranks above commander and below rear admiral (lower half).
What does aye aye mean in the Navy? ›Phrase. aye aye, sir. (idiomatic, nautical) The correct and seamanlike reply, onboard a Royal Navy (or US Navy) ship, on receipt of an order from someone of senior rank or authority. It means "I understand the command and hasten to comply with the order."
What is the hardest job in aviation? ›
As a result, many pilots fly with incomplete understanding and control, sometimes contributing to our LOC-I statistics. These early flight lessons are where an educator has the greatest opportunity to make a difference and move the needle on safety, but it is also the hardest job in aviation.
What is the most common job in the Navy? ›The top three occupations in the U. S. Navy Industry Group are Military, rank not specified, Military enlisted tactical operations & air/weapons specialists & crew members, Firstline enlisted military supervisors, Military officer special & tactical operations leaders, and Aircraft mechanics & service technicians.
What Navy jobs travel the most? ›- Aviation boatswain's mate.
- Boatswain's mate.
- Culinary specialist.
- Aircrewman.
- Pilot.
- Logistics specialist.
- Operations associate.
- Intelligence specialist.
Avionics technician salaries typically range between $40,000 and $75,000 a year. The average hourly rate for avionics technicians is $26.7 per hour.
Does Blue Origin pay well? ›Salaries at Blue Origin range from an average of $77,202 to $159,776 a year. Blue Origin employees with the job title Senior Systems Engineer make the most with an average annual salary of $137,115, while employees with the title Manufacturing Engineer make the least with an average annual salary of $87,024.
Does Blue Origin negotiate salary? ›Total compensation packages at Blue Origin
We've negotiated thousands of offers and regularly achieve $30k+ (sometimes $300k+) increases. Get your salary negotiated or your resume reviewed by the real experts - recruiters who do it daily.
- E-1. Seaman Recruit. $66,626.00 Avg. Yearly Pay w/ Benefits. ...
- E-2. Seaman Apprentice. $70,415.00 Avg. Yearly Pay w/ Benefits. ...
- E-3. Seaman. $73,452.68 Avg. ...
- E-4. Petty Officer 3rd Class. $74,669.00 Avg. ...
- E-5. Petty Officer 2nd Class. $78,149.00 Avg. ...
- E-6. Petty Officer 1st Class. $84,676.64 Avg. ...
- E-7. Chief Petty Officer. $91,431.08 Avg.
| Rank | Job Title | Average Us Navy Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Program Manager | $100,277 |
| 2 | Engineer | $98,139 |
| 3 | Systems Administrator | $80,224 |
| 4 | Registered Nurse | $69,840 |
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | |
|---|---|---|
| Top Earners | $112,500 | $9,375 |
| 75th Percentile | $70,000 | $5,833 |
| Average | $61,741 | $5,145 |
| 25th Percentile | $31,500 | $2,625 |
Service obligation: STA-21 Pilot Option officer candidates will incur an 8 year active duty obligation upon date of designation as a Naval Aviator (1310).
Is military aviation hard? ›
It is very difficult to become an Air Force Pilot. You need not only a high-grade point average, but also you must be physically and mentally fit, complete several educational and training scenarios, and be between the ages of 22 and 28. In fact, for every 1,000 applicants who apply, only 3 become air force pilots.
What GPA do you need to be a Navy pilot? ›GPA of 3.0 or higher on a 4.0 scale.
Do aircraft technicians fly? ›Do Aircraft Mechanics Fly? Aircraft mechanics are not licensed to fly aircraft unless they obtain the same private pilot's license (PPL) that an aircraft pilot is required to have to fly an aircraft. What Is an Aircraft Mechanics Salary? The average annual salary for aircraft mechanics was $67,840 as of May 2020.
Is avionics technician an engineer? ›As an aircraft engineering specialist, Aircraft Technicians (Avionics) carry out maintenance and repair work on the sophisticated electronic and avionic on-board RAF aircraft such as: Radar. Communication and Identification systems.
Is becoming an aviation technician hard? ›You must go through rigorous training
Training programs to become an aircraft mechanic can be long and arduous. The hands-on training includes lessons in aircraft flight controls, turbine engine systems, hydraulics and landing gear, aircraft electrical systems, fuel metering and aircraft communication and navigation.
The naval nuclear program is widely acknowledged as having the most demanding academic program in the U.S. military.
Can you quit boot camp Navy? ›You have signed a legally binding contract obligating you to fulfil the terms of that contract and there are no provisions for early outs, quitting, or abbreviated tours unless the Defense Department decides it is in their best interest to let you go before your original date of retirement or separation.
What are Navy students called? ›Naval Academy students are midshipmen on Active Duty in the U.S. Navy. They attend the Academy for four years, graduating with Bachelor of Science degrees and commissions as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marine Corps.
What does aviation electronics technology do? ›Aviation Electronics Technology (AET), also known as Avionics, deals with aircraft electronic equipment and is a specific field of electronics. Avionics incorporates equipment including radios, navigation equipment, autopilot, cables, entertainment systems, and more.
What is avionics in the Navy? ›Naval Aircrewmen Avionics (AWV) detect, analyze, classify and track sub-surface contacts perform sonar and sonobuoy operations and help coordinate tactical communications relay conduct weapons delivery in support of tactical missions.
What is the salary of a Navy aviation support equipment technician? ›
The estimated base pay is $54,821 per year.
Is avionics a good career? ›In conclusion. Becoming an Avionics Technician is a great choice for those interested in a rewarding and challenging career in aviation. With the right education and training, you can expect to enjoy a long and successful career in this field.
Is aviation technology hard? ›It is not hard to become an aircraft mechanic.
It typically takes two to four years to become an aircraft mechanic. This is because a career as an aircraft mechanic will require an associate degree. However, some employers may prefer aircraft mechanics with bachelor's-level training in aircraft mechanical technology.
Avionics technicians have important roles in the aircraft manufacturing field. If you are interested in electrical systems, operation of aircraft and advanced technologies, becoming an avionic technician could be a good career path for you.
Is avionics a pilot? ›Avionics encompasses components the pilot directly uses, such as navigation, weather radar, and radio communication equipment. In addition, avionics also comprises other electronic systems not directly used by the pilot that control and monitor flight and engine performance.
What does AE stand for in Navy? ›Aviation Electrician's Mates (AE) are responsible for maintaining, testing, troubleshooting and repairing complex electrical and electronic systems and instruments using the latest test equipment and procedures.
Is avionics a major? ›You can study avionics at both the Associate's and Bachelor's Degree levels. At the associate's degree level, you could enroll in an Associate of Applied Science in Avionics Maintenance Technology, and at the bachelor's degree level, you might complete a Bachelor of Science in Avionics degree program.
What is the highest salary for an aircraft technician? ›The majority of Aircraft Engine Mechanic Supervisor salaries across the United States currently range between $74,000 (25th percentile) and $86,500 (75th percentile) annually.
What rank is s2c in the Navy? ›Seaman apprentice is the second lowest enlisted rate in the U.S. Navy, U.S. Coast Guard, and the U.S. Naval Sea Cadet Corps just above seaman recruit and below seaman; this rank was formerly known as seaman second class.
What is the highest salary for aviation maintenance technician? ›The average Aviation Maintenance Mechanic salary in the United States is $89,822 as of May 25, 2023, but the salary range typically falls between $78,248 and $101,249.
Is Navy aviation hard? ›
It is extremely hard to become a navy pilot.
Once accepted, extensive training begins and can be one to two years depending upon the vehicle of choice the young pilot student is selected to join.
Student naval aviators progress through a significant training syllabus—typically 18 to 24 months for initial winging (designation) as naval aviators via either the advanced strike pipeline for those destined for fixed-wing aircraft such as fighter/bomber jets; the maritime pipeline for those en route to multi-engine, ...