Avionics Technicians

Avionics Technicians score 24 out of 100, which is moderate exposure to AI. That ranks #598 of 923 US occupations, where #1 is the most exposed. Of the 13 tasks in this job, AI could speed up 2 on its own and 3 more with extra software built on top of it. None of its tasks showed up in real AI use in April–May 2026.

24/ 100

Moderate

Rank: #598of 923 jobs
US workers: 18,830BLS, May 2025
Median pay: $82,280a year
In real AI use: 0 of 13tasks, April–May 2026

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Task by task

Each task this job involves, as listed by O*NET, rated on whether a large language model like GPT-4 could cut the time it takes by at least half at the same quality. Tasks marked Seen in real AI use appeared in conversations with Claude in April–May 2026 (Anthropic Economic Index).

AI can speed this up on its own: 2 (15%)
AI can speed this up with extra software: 3 (23%)
Little or no AI speed-up: 8 (62%)

Keep records of maintenance and repair work.AI can speed this up on its own · core task
Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications.AI can speed this up on its own · supplemental task
Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.AI can speed this up with extra software · core task
Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Fabricate parts and test aids as required.Little or no AI speed-up · core task
Assemble prototypes or models of circuits, instruments, and systems for use in testing.Little or no AI speed-up · core task

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Questions about avionics technicians and AI

Will AI replace avionics technicians?

Unlikely. Most of the work is hard for today's AI to speed up. Avionics Technicians score 24 out of 100 (moderate exposure), #598 of 923 US jobs. AI could speed up 5 of the job's 13 tasks, 2 of them on its own, while 8 see little or no speed-up. Exposure means the work is likely to change, not that the job will disappear.

Which avionics technicians tasks can AI do?

The most exposed tasks include "Keep records of maintenance and repair work"; "Operate computer-aided drafting and design applications to design avionics system modifications".

Which avionics technicians tasks are hardest for AI?

Tasks with little or no AI speed-up include "Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters"; "Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons"; "Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons".

Are people already using AI for this work?

Not much yet. None of the job's tasks showed up in real conversations with Claude in April–May 2026, according to the Anthropic Economic Index.

How many people work as avionics technicians, and what do they earn?

About 18,830 people in the US, with median pay of $82,280 a year (BLS, May 2025).

How to read this score. Exposure measures how much of the work AI could speed up, not whether the job will disappear. A highly exposed job can change shape, with people spending less time on routine tasks and more on the rest. The score counts tasks AI can speed up on its own in full, and tasks that need extra software at half weight.

The ratings come from published research based on GPT-4 (2023). To show what's happening now, each task is also checked against the latest Anthropic Economic Index, which records which tasks people actually use AI for. That data is refreshed automatically when Anthropic publishes a new release. Read the full method.