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2A137 Career Guide

Air Force

2A137: Avionics Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Systems Technician (2A137)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A137 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aircraft Mechanic / Aviation Technician

$70K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification

Electronics Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized electronics certifications (e.g., CompTIA)Specific industry knowledge (e.g., manufacturing, telecommunications)

Field Service Technician (Avionics)

$72K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsSpecific product knowledge related to the company's avionics systems

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$68K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyEngineering principles courseworkData analysis skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A137 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constantly create mental models of complex avionics systems to predict how different components will interact and identify potential points of failure.

This translates to a strong ability to understand and troubleshoot complex systems in any field, anticipating problems before they arise.

Rapid Prioritization

When multiple aircraft are down with different avionics issues, you must quickly assess the severity of each problem and prioritize repairs to maximize operational readiness.

You excel at quickly assessing complex situations, identifying critical issues, and making informed decisions under pressure to allocate resources effectively.

Procedural Compliance

Avionics maintenance is heavily regulated, requiring strict adherence to technical orders and safety procedures to ensure airworthiness and prevent accidents.

You have a deep understanding of the importance of following established protocols and a proven ability to maintain meticulous records, ensuring accuracy and accountability.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at finding alternate solutions when certain equipment is unavailable and improvising using the resources you do have on hand to resolve issues under pressure.

You can use critical thinking skills to adapt quickly to changing requirements.

Situational Awareness

You are trained to maintain awareness of aircraft status, environmental conditions, and potential hazards during maintenance operations.

You can effectively use your strong safety skills and adapt them to civilian workplace settings.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been troubleshooting complex avionics systems, and wind turbines are essentially giant, complex machines with electrical and mechanical components. Your diagnostic skills and ability to follow technical procedures will be highly valuable in keeping these turbines running efficiently.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've been working with advanced electronic systems. Robotics combines mechanical, electrical, and computer science principles, much like the avionics systems you're familiar with. Your troubleshooting skills and ability to read schematics will be directly transferable.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091.00

You've been trained in aircraft maintenance which requires similar technical expertise and a safety-conscious mindset. Your skills in diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining electromechanical systems are highly transferable to ensuring the safe operation of amusement park rides.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been working on complex systems with an analytical mindset. These systems integrate HVAC, lighting, security, and other building functions. Your ability to diagnose and troubleshoot problems in integrated systems will be a major asset.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics and avionics systems maintenance

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Microprocessors and Computer Systems
  • Avionics Systems Troubleshooting
  • Radar Principles and Maintenance
  • Navigation Systems (GPS, INS)
  • Communication Systems
  • Aircraft Electrical Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Technician (AMT)70% covered

Study specific FAA regulations, general aviation powerplant and airframe knowledge.

ETA- Avionics Bench Technician (ABT)60% covered

Brush up on advanced troubleshooting techniques, specific component-level repair, and current industry standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+Certified Electronics Technician (CET)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/APG-68 Radar SystemWeather radar systems used in commercial aviation
AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Warfare PodRadio frequency jammers and signal inhibitors
Inertial Navigation System (INS)Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) used in drones and autonomous vehicles
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)Airborne ground surveillance radar
Airborne Warning and Control System (AWACS)Air Traffic Control (ATC) radar systems
Integrated Test Systems/Built-In Test (BIT)Automated diagnostic test equipment for electronic systems
Mission Computer SystemsReal-time data processing and control systems for industrial automation

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