How to become an aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic, technician or inspector
Official title: Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors
Also called: Avionics mechanic, Avionics inspector, Avionics technician, Aircraft electrician, Shop inspector - avionics, Avionics systems installer, Aircraft avionics technician, Aircraft electrical mechanic, Aircraft instrument mechanic, Electrotechnician - avionics, Aircraft electrical inspector, Aircraft instrument inspector
Aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanics, technicians and inspectors install, adjust, repair and overhaul aircraft instrument, electrical or avionics systems on aircraft. This unit group also includes avionics inspectors who inspect instrument, electrical and avionics systems following assembly, modification, repair or overhaul. They are employed by aircraft manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul establishments and by airlines and other aircraft operators. Apprentices are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Aircraft instrument mechanics and technicians
- Repair and overhaul, install, calibrate and test aircraft instruments
- Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians
- Repair and overhaul, modify, install and test aircraft electrical systems and equipment
- Avionics mechanics and technicians
- Troubleshoot, repair and overhaul, test, modify, install and inspect aircraft electronic systems and components including communications, navigation, and autoflight equipment
- Avionics inspectors
- Inspect and test aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics systems and ensure that the installation, maintenance, repair and overhaul of these systems meet Transport Canada and company standards of performance and safety
How to become one
Aircraft instrument and avionics mechanics and technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics. Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians require completion of a college program as an electrical or electronic technician. Four years of on-the-job or company apprenticeship training is required for all mechanics and technicians in this unit group. Avionics inspectors require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics and three to five years of experience as an avionics mechanic or technician. Avionics inspectors, mechanics and technicians who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence (category E - avionics) issued by Transport Canada. Industry certification is available from the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) for some occupations in this unit group. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Ways in
- Apprenticeship: Apprenticeship. Four years of on-the-job or company apprenticeship training is required for all mechanics and technicians in this unit group. Apprenticeships are run by each province and territory.
- Licence or registration: Avionics inspectors, mechanics and technicians who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence (category E - avionics) issued by Transport Canada. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $78,917 a year
- About 3,500 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 3,700 are projected by 2033. (+5.7%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: moderate risk of shortage.
Related jobs
- Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians
- Electronic service technicians (household and business equipment)
- Industrial instrument technicians and mechanics
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Questions people ask
How do I become an aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic, technician or inspector?
Aircraft instrument and avionics mechanics and technicians require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics. Aircraft electrical mechanics and technicians require completion of a college program as an electrical or electronic technician. Four years of on-the-job or company apprenticeship training is required for all mechanics and technicians in this unit group. Avionics inspectors require completion of a two- to three-year college program in avionics or electronics and three to five years of experience as an avionics mechanic or technician. Avionics inspectors, mechanics and technicians who sign maintenance releases and certify airworthiness require an Aircraft Maintenance Engineer's (AME) licence (category E - avionics) issued by Transport Canada. Industry certification is available from the Canadian Council for Aviation & Aerospace (CCAA) for some occupations in this unit group. In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title "Professional Technologist."
How much does an aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic, technician or inspector earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $78,917 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)).
Is an aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic, technician or inspector a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 6% by 2033, from about 3,500 to about 3,700 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become an aircraft instrument, electrical and avionics mechanic, technician or inspector?
Usually not. Only 13% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher. Ways in include: Apprenticeship.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03