What would be best, Avionics Technician OR Electronics Technician?

Question

I'm joining the Navy and i'm interested in 2 fields. ET and AV.
I'll like to know your opinion on which one is better as a career and why?

If i go with ET, after i get out the Navy, what will be the kind of things i'll be able to work on? need examples please.

As an ET, will i be able to work on the cars electrical equipment, computers, radios and even Aircraft?

Answer 1

First, the pay involved. Avionics is a specialized field within electronics, so the salary would be somewhat higher than for a plain, vanilla type ET. Additionally, in the military you're going to be thoroughly schooled in electronics before entering the avionics part of your training. If for some reason avionics doesn't work for you, then you'd still have a good, solid foundation in electronics that can get you into a highly diversified range of ET areas.

As an ET the kind of equipment you could work on is almost limitless. In the civilian sector companies hire entry-level ET's for all kinds of equipment -- computer peripheral devices (hard drives, tape drives, printers, video equipment, etc.,.) Most companies put you through their own specialized schools where you're trained to install, service, and maintain their specific brands of equipment. For example, I came out of the service as an electronics technician trained to service a surface-to-surface missile inertial guidance system and was hired by a company that manufactured, marketed, installed, and serviced a specific type of ATM. After hiring, I spent three weeks in the company school learning their ATM system.

Bottom line is, I'd go the avionics technician route to get both a good electronics technician foundation, along with that valuable avionics specialization.

Answer 2

I have to be honest, I am biased. Both paths are about the same, and most schools are the same. I would choose the ET job. The reason is simple: You can choose several options with the ET grade. In my day, it was Communications or Radar. I choose communications. On smaller ships, everyone works on everything anyway (even Avionics).

The only difference between the two is that Avionics primarily work on aircraft electronics. However, and this is the caveat, at an AV, you are essentially a module puller. Although I was never stationed on an Aircraft Carrier, I have yet to see an AV actually delve into a circuit (or do impromptu re-engineering).

As far as career growth - both are about the same. Both are assigned to sea and shore duties. Both are equally in demand after your service.

I thought the Avionics Tech was an AT - I guess they changed it in the last 20 years or so.

Good luck with either choice - you can't go wrong. Another good choice is the Fire Control Tech. You get all of the training that an ET receives, and you tend to get the better, more modern warships (you definitely won't be posted to an oilier)

Answer 3

AT would give you a more secure career. But it is only good for you if you are organized and thorough in your work or you won't make it given all the FAA regulations. If you are more leisure about your work and want to stay away from airports, then ET is best. Good ETs are hard to find, and when one is found a company will try to keep them. With ET you will have a greater choice of fields to try. But like I said, AT would be good IF you are very detail oriented, clean work habits... Both fields are good. Best of luck with your decision!

Answer 4

Funny you should ask. I thought it would be the coolest job in the world to be an avionics technician. Being a girl and sissy I couldn't lift the 70 lb toolbox. Thank God. I became an electronics type technician and it was wonderful. Always in a climate controlled secure area. Wonderful. I had Friends who worked the flight line. What a sucky job, its was either too hot or freezing and you always got dirty. The good lord was watching out for me and my manicure.

Answer 5

I think avionics technician will be a good choice. once you get out for the Navy you can have a better job opportunity in an airline or certified repair station of aircraft.

Answer 6

I would say Electronic Technician, my reason behind it is: If you are interested in Avionics you can work in that field with an electornics degree, but by studying avionics only, you will limit yourself to other careers.

Answer 7

My husband is an AT and he works on the Jets. The only problem is there are so many At's right now that it is very hard to advance to the next pay grade. maybe you should see what rate needs the most people. That gives you the best chance at advancement. It's great that you have decided to go into the military. Hope all goes well for you.

Answer 8

I think Electronics would be better because Avionics deals more with the wiring than the circuitry. It seems more interesting to me.