Navy AT (Aviation Electronics Technician) to Civilian: Complete Career Transition Guide (With 2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Navy ATs aren't just "aircraft electricians." You've got advanced troubleshooting skills, radar system expertise, component-level electronics repair, fiber optics knowledge, and zero-error precision work under pressure—skills that translate directly into high-demand avionics careers. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $55,000-$75,000, with experienced professionals hitting $85,000-$110,000+ in defense contracting, commercial aviation, or specialized avionics roles. Your military training already covers 80% of what civilian employers need. Add an A&P license or FCC GROL, and you're competing for six-figure positions.

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every AT researching civilian jobs sees the same question: "Will my Navy training actually count in the civilian world?"

Here's the reality: civilian aviation desperately needs people who can do what you do.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 5% growth for avionics technicians through 2034. Airlines are hiring. Defense contractors are hiring. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon—they're all looking for people with your exact skillset.

You didn't just "fix radios." You:

Troubleshot and repaired complex radar systems worth millions
Performed component-level circuit board repairs on mission-critical avionics
Maintained tactical displays, infrared detection, and electronic warfare systems
Used advanced test equipment to diagnose failures in fiber optics and electrical systems
Followed strict technical manuals and zero-defect quality standards
Worked on aircraft flight lines in all weather conditions
Passed rigorous qualifications and maintained detailed maintenance records

That's precision electronics work, systems integration, quality assurance, and technical documentation. Those skills transfer dollar-for-dollar to civilian avionics careers.

Best civilian career paths for Navy ATs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where ATs land well-paying jobs, with current 2025 salary data.

Commercial avionics technician (strongest direct path)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Aircraft electronics technician
Avionics installer
Radio and instrument technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level (with military experience): $55,000-$70,000
Experienced (3-5 years civilian): $70,000-$85,000
Senior avionics tech: $85,000-$100,000
Lead/specialist roles: $90,000-$113,000+

What translates directly:

Radar and navigation system troubleshooting
Component-level electronics repair
Aircraft electrical systems knowledge
Technical manual interpretation
Use of specialized test equipment
Strict adherence to safety and quality standards

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license - Highly recommended but not always required. Can work under A&P supervision without it. Training: 18-24 months, $15,000-$30,000 (GI Bill eligible). Many commercial operators prefer or require this.
FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Required to repair aircraft transmitters and radar. Two written exams (Elements 1 and 3), plus Radar Endorsement (Element 8). Cost: $35 FCC fee. Lifetime license.
Manufacturer-specific training - Boeing, Airbus, Garmin, Honeywell certifications (usually provided by employer)

Reality check: You can start working immediately for many airlines and aviation maintenance companies with your Navy training. They'll sponsor your A&P training while you work. Airlines are actively hiring—Alaska, American, United, Southwest, Delta all have avionics tech positions open.

The median wage for avionics technicians was $81,390 in May 2024 according to BLS. The demand is real.

Best for: ATs who want to stay in aviation electronics, work on commercial aircraft, and leverage their technical training immediately.

Defense contractor avionics/electronics work (highest pay potential)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician (defense)
Electronics technician II/III
Aerospace electronics specialist
Avionics test technician
Electronic warfare systems technician

Salary ranges:

Northrop Grumman electronics tech: $67,000-$99,000
Raytheon/RTX electronics tech: $75,000-$120,000
Senior electronics tech (Raytheon): $106,000-$151,000
Specialized EW/radar roles: $90,000-$130,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're doing the same work on military aircraft and systems.

Certifications needed:

Active or transferrable security clearance - Secret or Top Secret is a massive advantage. If you still have yours, you're instantly more valuable.
A&P license - Preferred for aircraft-based positions
Manufacturer certifications - Often provided during onboarding

Reality check: Defense contractors specifically recruit former military avionics techs. Your Navy training, experience on tactical aircraft, and clearance make you a priority hire.

Companies like Northrop Grumman, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon (RTX), L3Harris, and Boeing Defense all maintain large workforces supporting Navy and Air Force aircraft. You'll often work at the same bases you were stationed at, just as a civilian making significantly more money.

If you have a clearance and 4+ years AT experience, expect multiple job offers.

Best for: ATs with active clearances who want the highest salaries and are comfortable working on military platforms as civilians.

Airlines and cargo operators (commercial aviation)

Civilian job titles:

Airline avionics technician
Aircraft maintenance technician (avionics)
Line maintenance avionics tech
Hangar maintenance avionics specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry-level airline avionics: $55,000-$70,000
Major airline avionics tech (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
Senior/lead avionics tech: $85,000-$110,000+
Overtime can add $10K-$25K annually

What translates directly:

Navigation and communication systems
Radar and weather systems
Flight control electronics
Electrical troubleshooting
Line maintenance procedures

Certifications needed:

A&P license - Required by most major airlines
FCC GROL with Radar Endorsement - Required
Airline-specific training - Provided by employer

Companies actively hiring:

Major airlines: United, Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska
Cargo operators: FedEx, UPS, Atlas Air, Kalitta
Regional carriers: SkyWest, Republic, Endeavor Air

Reality check: Airlines offer excellent benefits—health insurance, retirement matching, flight benefits for you and your family, union protection, and clear pay progression. Work schedules can include nights, weekends, and holidays, but shift differentials and overtime add up.

The aviation industry has strong job security. Once you're in with a major airline, you've got a career for life if you want it.

Best for: ATs who want stability, benefits, and a clear career ladder with major corporations.

FAA electronics technician (government stability)

Civilian job titles:

Electronics technician (FAA)
Airway transportation systems specialist
Navigation systems specialist
Radar systems technician

Salary ranges:

Entry (GS-9 to GS-11): $60,000-$80,000
Journeyman (GS-11 to GS-12): $75,000-$95,000
Senior/supervisory (GS-13+): $95,000-$120,000+

What translates directly:

Radar and navigation system maintenance
Communication systems troubleshooting
Technical documentation and reporting
Following federal technical standards

Certifications needed:

FCC GROL - Often required or preferred
Security clearance - Required for some positions
FAA-specific training - Provided after hire

Reality check: FAA jobs come with federal benefits—pension, job security, paid time off, health insurance. Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in the hiring process.

The work involves maintaining air traffic control equipment, radar systems, and navigation aids. You're not working on aircraft—you're maintaining the systems that guide them.

Hiring process is slow (4-8 months), but once you're in, it's a stable career with clear GS pay scale progression.

Best for: ATs who prioritize job security, federal benefits, and a pension over high starting pay.

Electronics field service technician (travel-heavy, good pay)

Civilian job titles:

Field service engineer
Avionics field support technician
Technical field representative
Customer support engineer

Salary ranges:

Entry-level field service: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced FSE: $75,000-$95,000
Senior/specialized roles: $90,000-$120,000+
Travel per diem adds significantly to total comp

What translates directly:

Independent troubleshooting and repair
Customer interaction and technical support
Working with minimal supervision
Adapting to different aircraft and systems

Certifications needed:

A&P license - Preferred
Manufacturer certifications - Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, etc. (provided by employer)

Companies hiring:

Avionics manufacturers: Garmin, Honeywell Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, L3Harris
Support contractors: AAR Corp, StandardAero, Duncan Aviation

Reality check: Field service means you're traveling 50-75% of the time. You'll fly to customer sites (airlines, corporate operators, military bases) to install, troubleshoot, or train on avionics systems.

The travel is intense, but the pay is strong and you're building relationships across the industry. Many field service engineers transition into sales, training, or management roles after a few years.

Best for: ATs who don't mind travel, like working independently, and want exposure to multiple aircraft types and systems.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Performed maintenance on aircraft avionics." Civilians don't understand that. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Troubleshot radar systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex radar and navigation systems valued at $2M+
Component-level repair	Performed circuit board-level troubleshooting and electronics component replacement
Used test equipment	Operated advanced diagnostic equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, and avionics test sets
Maintained aircraft systems	Maintained accountability for mission-critical avionics systems with 99.8% operational readiness
Technical manual compliance	Interpreted and executed detailed technical procedures with zero-defect standards
O-level maintenance	Performed on-aircraft troubleshooting, removal, and installation of avionics components
I-level maintenance	Conducted bench-level repair and testing of avionics circuit boards and modules
Fiber optics work	Installed and tested fiber optic data transmission systems
Work center supervision	Led team of 3-6 technicians in aircraft electronics maintenance operations

Use active verbs: Diagnosed, Repaired, Tested, Installed, Maintained, Supervised, Operated.

Use numbers: "Maintained 12 aircraft avionics systems," "Completed 200+ maintenance actions with zero defects," "Supervised team of 5 technicians."

Translate acronyms. Don't write "ALSS" or "NALCOMIS." Write out "Aviation Life Support Systems" or just describe what you did in plain English.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:

High priority (get these):

FCC GROL with Radar Endorsement - Legally required to work on aircraft transmitters and radar systems. Pass three written exams (Elements 1, 3, and 8). Cost: $35 FCC application fee. Study materials: $50-$200. Lifetime certificate. Do this first—it's quick and opens doors immediately. Value: Required for most avionics jobs.

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license - The gold standard for aircraft maintenance. Opens doors at every major airline and aviation company. Requirements: 18-24 months training at FAA-approved school OR 30 months documented aviation maintenance experience (your Navy time may qualify you for the experience route). Cost: $15,000-$30,000 for school (GI Bill covers it). Written, oral, and practical exams. Value: Significantly increases hiring opportunities and salary potential.

Navy COOL certifications - Use your COOL account to get civilian credentials before you separate. ATs are eligible for Electronics Technician (ET) certifications, NCATT AET (Aviation Electronics Technician), and others. Many are free or low-cost. Value: Adds credentials to your resume immediately.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

Manufacturer-specific certifications - Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, etc. Usually earned after you're hired, but if you have the opportunity through SkillBridge or Navy COOL, grab them. Cost: Varies (often employer-paid). Value: Makes you more competitive for specific roles.

AS9100/ISO 9001 quality training - Quality management system certification relevant to aerospace. Shows you understand civilian quality standards. Cost: $500-$1,500. Value: Helpful for quality assurance or lead technician roles.

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electronics/Avionics - Not required for technician roles, but helps for career progression into engineering, management, or specialized positions. Use your GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Value: Long-term career advancement.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Private Pilot License - Some avionics techs pursue this for better understanding of systems. Cost: $8,000-$15,000. Value: Personal interest more than career necessity.

CompTIA A+ or other IT certs - Relevant if you're pivoting toward IT, but not directly applicable to avionics work. Cost: $300-$500. Value: Low for traditional avionics paths.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian-specific things you'll need to adapt to.

FAA regulations vs. Navy procedures: Civilian aviation follows FAA regulations (14 CFR) instead of NAVAIR instructions. The logic is the same—safety-first, follow the book—but the specific regulations are different. You'll learn this on the job or in A&P school.

Customer service mindset: In the Navy, the aircraft belonged to the squadron. In civilian aviation, you're serving customers—airlines, corporate flight departments, private owners. You'll need to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and maintain professional relationships. It's still technical work, but with more interpersonal interaction.

Civilian documentation standards: Military maintenance records are detailed. Civilian records are equally detailed but formatted differently. You'll adapt quickly, but expect a learning curve with civilian logbook entries, work order systems, and maintenance tracking software.

Pace and priorities: Civilian aviation operates on tight schedules. An aircraft out of service costs money—lots of it. You'll feel pressure to work quickly while maintaining quality. Your Navy training in working under pressure translates directly, but the business urgency is different than mission urgency.

Real AT success stories

Chris, 28, former I-level AT → Avionics technician at United Airlines

Chris did 6 years as an AT working on F/A-18 radar and electronic warfare systems. Got out, used his GI Bill for A&P school (18 months), and earned his FCC GROL while in school. Applied to United, hired within 3 months. Started at $62,000, now makes $78,000 after 2 years with full benefits and flight privileges for his family.

Tyler, 31, former O-level AT → Electronics Technician III at Northrop Grumman

Tyler spent 8 years maintaining avionics on P-8 Poseidons. Had a Secret clearance. Got out, applied directly to Northrop Grumman supporting Navy aircraft at NAS Jacksonville. Started at $72,000. Now makes $88,000 after 3 years, working on the same aircraft he maintained in the Navy, just making $30K more per year as a civilian.

Jessica, 26, former AT → Field service engineer at Garmin

Jessica was an AT on helicopters for 5 years. Didn't want to stay in one place. Got her A&P license through the experience route (documented her Navy work), earned manufacturer certifications through a SkillBridge program. Hired by Garmin as a field service engineer. Makes $82,000 plus travel per diem. Travels constantly but loves seeing different operations and aircraft.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Certifications and documentation

Get your FCC GROL immediately - Study online, take the exams. This is non-negotiable for avionics work.
Document your Navy maintenance experience - Request copies of your training records, qualifications, and documented maintenance hours. You may qualify for A&P license via experience route.
Update your resume using the translation table above
Set up LinkedIn - Connect with other former ATs, join aviation maintenance groups
Research A&P schools if you're going that route (vs. experience route)

Month 2: Applications and networking

Apply to 15-20 jobs per week - Airlines, defense contractors, maintenance shops
Target veteran-friendly companies - Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon actively recruit veterans
Attend job fairs - Especially aviation maintenance and veteran-focused events
Consider SkillBridge - If you're still active duty, programs like Duncan Aviation, StandardAero, and airlines offer SkillBridge internships
Network with former Navy ATs - They're working at the companies you're targeting

Month 3: Interviews and decisions

Prepare for technical interviews - Be ready to discuss troubleshooting scenarios and systems you've worked on
Get multiple offers - Don't accept the first offer. Competition for avionics techs is high—leverage that
Negotiate salary - Use the salary data in this guide. Don't undersell yourself
Consider location and lifestyle - Airlines = shift work but stability. Defense = higher pay but may require moving. Field service = travel.

Bottom line for Navy ATs

Your AT training is a direct ticket to a well-paying civilian career.

Commercial aviation, defense contractors, and government agencies are actively hiring people with your skillset. The median salary for avionics technicians is over $81,000, and experienced technicians in defense contracting or senior airline roles clear six figures.

You're not starting from scratch. Your military training is equivalent to or better than civilian avionics programs. Add an A&P license and FCC GROL, and you're competing for top-tier positions immediately.

First-year income of $55K-75K is realistic. Within 5 years, $85K-$110K+ is achievable if you stay focused, earn key certifications, and build your civilian experience.

The aviation industry needs you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

Every AT researching civilian jobs sees the same question: "Will my Navy training actually count in the civilian world?"

Here's the reality: civilian aviation desperately needs people who can do what you do.

You didn't just "fix radios." You:

Troubleshot and repaired complex radar systems worth millions
Performed component-level circuit board repairs on mission-critical avionics
Maintained tactical displays, infrared detection, and electronic warfare systems
Used advanced test equipment to diagnose failures in fiber optics and electrical systems
Followed strict technical manuals and zero-defect quality standards
Worked on aircraft flight lines in all weather conditions
Passed rigorous qualifications and maintained detailed maintenance records

That's precision electronics work, systems integration, quality assurance, and technical documentation. Those skills transfer dollar-for-dollar to civilian avionics careers.

Best civilian career paths for Navy ATs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where ATs land well-paying jobs, with current 2025 salary data.

Commercial avionics technician (strongest direct path)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Aircraft electronics technician
Avionics installer
Radio and instrument technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level (with military experience): $55,000-$70,000
Experienced (3-5 years civilian): $70,000-$85,000
Senior avionics tech: $85,000-$100,000
Lead/specialist roles: $90,000-$113,000+

What translates directly:

Radar and navigation system troubleshooting
Component-level electronics repair
Aircraft electrical systems knowledge
Technical manual interpretation
Use of specialized test equipment
Strict adherence to safety and quality standards

Certifications needed:

FAA A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) license - Highly recommended but not always required. Can work under A&P supervision without it. Training: 18-24 months, $15,000-$30,000 (GI Bill eligible). Many commercial operators prefer or require this.
FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Required to repair aircraft transmitters and radar. Two written exams (Elements 1 and 3), plus Radar Endorsement (Element 8). Cost: $35 FCC fee. Lifetime license.
Manufacturer-specific training - Boeing, Airbus, Garmin, Honeywell certifications (usually provided by employer)

The median wage for avionics technicians was $81,390 in May 2024 according to BLS. The demand is real.

Best for: ATs who want to stay in aviation electronics, work on commercial aircraft, and leverage their technical training immediately.

Defense contractor avionics/electronics work (highest pay potential)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician (defense)
Electronics technician II/III
Aerospace electronics specialist
Avionics test technician
Electronic warfare systems technician

Salary ranges:

Northrop Grumman electronics tech: $67,000-$99,000
Raytheon/RTX electronics tech: $75,000-$120,000
Senior electronics tech (Raytheon): $106,000-$151,000
Specialized EW/radar roles: $90,000-$130,000+

What translates directly: Everything. You're doing the same work on military aircraft and systems.

Certifications needed:

Active or transferrable security clearance - Secret or Top Secret is a massive advantage. If you still have yours, you're instantly more valuable.
A&P license - Preferred for aircraft-based positions
Manufacturer certifications - Often provided during onboarding

Reality check: Defense contractors specifically recruit former military avionics techs. Your Navy training, experience on tactical aircraft, and clearance make you a priority hire.

If you have a clearance and 4+ years AT experience, expect multiple job offers.

Best for: ATs with active clearances who want the highest salaries and are comfortable working on military platforms as civilians.

Airlines and cargo operators (commercial aviation)

Civilian job titles:

Airline avionics technician
Aircraft maintenance technician (avionics)
Line maintenance avionics tech
Hangar maintenance avionics specialist

Salary ranges:

Entry-level airline avionics: $55,000-$70,000
Major airline avionics tech (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
Senior/lead avionics tech: $85,000-$110,000+
Overtime can add $10K-$25K annually

What translates directly:

Navigation and communication systems
Radar and weather systems
Flight control electronics
Electrical troubleshooting
Line maintenance procedures

Certifications needed:

A&P license - Required by most major airlines
FCC GROL with Radar Endorsement - Required
Airline-specific training - Provided by employer

Companies actively hiring:

Major airlines: United, Delta, American, Southwest, Alaska
Cargo operators: FedEx, UPS, Atlas Air, Kalitta
Regional carriers: SkyWest, Republic, Endeavor Air

The aviation industry has strong job security. Once you're in with a major airline, you've got a career for life if you want it.

Best for: ATs who want stability, benefits, and a clear career ladder with major corporations.

FAA electronics technician (government stability)

Civilian job titles:

Electronics technician (FAA)
Airway transportation systems specialist
Navigation systems specialist
Radar systems technician

Salary ranges:

Entry (GS-9 to GS-11): $60,000-$80,000
Journeyman (GS-11 to GS-12): $75,000-$95,000
Senior/supervisory (GS-13+): $95,000-$120,000+

What translates directly:

Radar and navigation system maintenance
Communication systems troubleshooting
Technical documentation and reporting
Following federal technical standards

Certifications needed:

FCC GROL - Often required or preferred
Security clearance - Required for some positions
FAA-specific training - Provided after hire

Reality check: FAA jobs come with federal benefits—pension, job security, paid time off, health insurance. Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in the hiring process.

The work involves maintaining air traffic control equipment, radar systems, and navigation aids. You're not working on aircraft—you're maintaining the systems that guide them.

Hiring process is slow (4-8 months), but once you're in, it's a stable career with clear GS pay scale progression.

Best for: ATs who prioritize job security, federal benefits, and a pension over high starting pay.

Electronics field service technician (travel-heavy, good pay)

Civilian job titles:

Field service engineer
Avionics field support technician
Technical field representative
Customer support engineer

Salary ranges:

Entry-level field service: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced FSE: $75,000-$95,000
Senior/specialized roles: $90,000-$120,000+
Travel per diem adds significantly to total comp

What translates directly:

Independent troubleshooting and repair
Customer interaction and technical support
Working with minimal supervision
Adapting to different aircraft and systems

Certifications needed:

A&P license - Preferred
Manufacturer certifications - Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins, etc. (provided by employer)

Companies hiring:

Avionics manufacturers: Garmin, Honeywell Aerospace, Collins Aerospace, L3Harris
Support contractors: AAR Corp, StandardAero, Duncan Aviation

Best for: ATs who don't mind travel, like working independently, and want exposure to multiple aircraft types and systems.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Performed maintenance on aircraft avionics." Civilians don't understand that. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Troubleshot radar systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex radar and navigation systems valued at $2M+
Component-level repair	Performed circuit board-level troubleshooting and electronics component replacement
Used test equipment	Operated advanced diagnostic equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, and avionics test sets
Maintained aircraft systems	Maintained accountability for mission-critical avionics systems with 99.8% operational readiness
Technical manual compliance	Interpreted and executed detailed technical procedures with zero-defect standards
O-level maintenance	Performed on-aircraft troubleshooting, removal, and installation of avionics components
I-level maintenance	Conducted bench-level repair and testing of avionics circuit boards and modules
Fiber optics work	Installed and tested fiber optic data transmission systems
Work center supervision	Led team of 3-6 technicians in aircraft electronics maintenance operations

Use active verbs: Diagnosed, Repaired, Tested, Installed, Maintained, Supervised, Operated.

Use numbers: "Maintained 12 aircraft avionics systems," "Completed 200+ maintenance actions with zero defects," "Supervised team of 5 technicians."

Translate acronyms. Don't write "ALSS" or "NALCOMIS." Write out "Aviation Life Support Systems" or just describe what you did in plain English.

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:

High priority (get these):

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Private Pilot License - Some avionics techs pursue this for better understanding of systems. Cost: $8,000-$15,000. Value: Personal interest more than career necessity.

CompTIA A+ or other IT certs - Relevant if you're pivoting toward IT, but not directly applicable to avionics work. Cost: $300-$500. Value: Low for traditional avionics paths.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian-specific things you'll need to adapt to.

Real AT success stories

Chris, 28, former I-level AT → Avionics technician at United Airlines

Tyler, 31, former O-level AT → Electronics Technician III at Northrop Grumman

Jessica, 26, former AT → Field service engineer at Garmin

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Certifications and documentation

Get your FCC GROL immediately - Study online, take the exams. This is non-negotiable for avionics work.
Document your Navy maintenance experience - Request copies of your training records, qualifications, and documented maintenance hours. You may qualify for A&P license via experience route.
Update your resume using the translation table above
Set up LinkedIn - Connect with other former ATs, join aviation maintenance groups
Research A&P schools if you're going that route (vs. experience route)

Month 2: Applications and networking

Apply to 15-20 jobs per week - Airlines, defense contractors, maintenance shops
Target veteran-friendly companies - Boeing, Lockheed, Northrop, Raytheon actively recruit veterans
Attend job fairs - Especially aviation maintenance and veteran-focused events
Consider SkillBridge - If you're still active duty, programs like Duncan Aviation, StandardAero, and airlines offer SkillBridge internships
Network with former Navy ATs - They're working at the companies you're targeting

Month 3: Interviews and decisions

Prepare for technical interviews - Be ready to discuss troubleshooting scenarios and systems you've worked on
Get multiple offers - Don't accept the first offer. Competition for avionics techs is high—leverage that
Negotiate salary - Use the salary data in this guide. Don't undersell yourself
Consider location and lifestyle - Airlines = shift work but stability. Defense = higher pay but may require moving. Field service = travel.

Bottom line for Navy ATs

Your AT training is a direct ticket to a well-paying civilian career.

First-year income of $55K-75K is realistic. Within 5 years, $85K-$110K+ is achievable if you stay focused, earn key certifications, and build your civilian experience.

The aviation industry needs you. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.