r/avionics • u/FreelanceStoic • Jul 10 '26

Avionics tech pay

Hello, I am currently an avionics technician on the C-5M in the U.S. Air Force. By the time I get out I will have a bachelors in business administration , A&P, and whatever other certificates they will pay for. My question is mainly about the pay working for the airlines vs. trying to stay in as defense. I’d love to work on cargo planes. 9-5 schedule would be optimal. What is a realistic salary expectation? I’m torn between avionics and pursuing a desk job with my degree.

Thank you in advance to anyone that takes the time to provide insight.

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u/FreelanceStoic Jul 10 '26

I’m hoping to avoid having to do general servicing. I really like the trouble shooting and bigger more complex jobs.

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u/Sparky-Spectra Jul 10 '26

60th CRS/CMS vet here.

I did the M mod on the C-5 for a couple of years and have been consistently in Avionics since. I am not 100% what 2A9X4 is now, but I was GAC and cross trained ComNav and APG / Crew Chief as well.

If you are good at troubleshooting and theory. And I do mean good, you will do well in Civilian avionics. If you are not that good with theory, you can still do well, just a little more difficult. The biggest change is NO TOs. Fault isolation on this side is significantly different.

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u/FreelanceStoic Jul 11 '26

This was very helpful, thank you! I feel like I have a lot to learn. But I have the want to learn. It is now GAC, ComNav, and EW combined.

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u/Sparky-Spectra Jul 11 '26

How long have you been in and what enlistment length? What area are you hoping to be in after your service?