Avionics Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.068F · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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ARMY · 68FCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.68F.R.04
68F · ARMY · EnlistedAircraft
Aircraft
Electrician.
Army 68F (Aircraft Electrician). 560 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$95K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours560DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours in aviation maintenance technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 68F background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 68F training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have06
- 01Avionics Troubleshooting→ Software debugging
- 02Technical Manual Interpretation→ Understanding and applying technical documentation
- 03Wiring Harness Repair→ Working with complex hardware systems
- 04System Modeling→ Understanding complex systems in IT networks
- 05Procedural Compliance→ Creating comprehensive test cases
- 06Resource Optimization→ Effective inventory management
To learn10
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python fundamentals+Selenium or Cypress for web testing+Linux server administration basics+Bash scripting+Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS)+Help desk ticketing systems (e.g., Jira Service Management, Zendesk)+Remote desktop support tools+C or C++ programming+Real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts+Microcontroller programming
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
$70KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
Electrical Engineer
$95KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering
- — Specific industry knowledge
Wind Turbine Technician
$60KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Technical certifications in wind turbine maintenance
- — Safety training
Quality Control Inspector
$55KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certification
- — Familiarity with industry-specific quality standards
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 68F training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
68F personnel develop a deep understanding of how aircraft electrical systems function as a whole, allowing them to diagnose and repair complex issues by tracing signals and understanding interconnected components.
Transfers to
This translates to an ability to understand and troubleshoot complex systems in any field, from IT networks to manufacturing processes.
Procedural Compliance
Adherence to strict technical manuals, directives, and safety procedures is paramount in aircraft maintenance to prevent accidents and ensure airworthiness. This builds a strong understanding of regulations and protocols.
Transfers to
This expertise in meticulously following procedures is valuable in highly regulated industries where compliance is critical, such as healthcare, finance, or pharmaceuticals.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Aircraft maintenance often involves troubleshooting and repairing systems under pressure, with limited resources, and potentially in adverse conditions. 68F personnel learn to adapt and maintain functionality even when things aren't ideal.
Transfers to
This adaptability and problem-solving ability is highly sought after in roles that require quick thinking and resourcefulness in challenging situations.
Resource Optimization
68F personnel are responsible for requisitioning and maintaining shop stock, optimizing the use of tools and supplies to ensure efficient repair operations. They must balance resources to keep aircraft mission-ready.
Transfers to
This skill translates to effective inventory management and resource allocation, valuable in supply chain management, logistics, or operations management roles.
Team Synchronization
While specialized, aircraft maintenance requires collaboration with other maintenance personnel, pilots, and support staff. Coordinating tasks and communicating effectively are crucial for mission success.
Transfers to
This collaborative experience is applicable to any team-based environment, especially in project management and roles requiring cross-functional communication.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9099.01You've been working with complex electromechanical systems, troubleshooting problems under pressure, and following strict safety procedures. This makes you an ideal candidate to inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines. You're already familiar with the need for precision, the importance of documentation, and the ability to work in challenging conditions.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091.00You're skilled at diagnosing and fixing complex electrical and mechanical systems and also have extensive experience adhering to strict safety protocols. Your ability to troubleshoot under pressure and maintain detailed records will be invaluable in this role, keeping amusement park rides safe and operational.
Adjacent · MatchRobotics Technician
SOC 49-9062.00You've developed a strong understanding of electrical systems, troubleshooting, and repair. Your experience with complex machinery and your ability to interpret technical manuals make you well-suited to work with robots in manufacturing, healthcare, or other industries.
Adjacent · MatchElevator and Escalator Installer and Repairer
SOC 47-4021.00You're accustomed to working with complex electrical and mechanical systems. You are also familiar with safety procedures. Your experience in aircraft maintenance provides a solid foundation for installing, maintaining, and repairing elevators and escalators.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
AIT
Fort Eustis560hHours
14wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours in aviation maintenance technology
Topics · 8
- Basic Electricity and Electronics
- Aircraft Electrical Systems Theory
- Avionics Troubleshooting
- Wiring Harness Repair
- Soldering and Connectorization
- Instrument Repair
- Technical Manual Interpretation
- Safety Procedures
Partial coverage · 2
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic60%
Study general aviation regulations, reciprocating engine theory, and practical hands-on experience with non-military aircraft.
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)40%
Focus on consumer electronics, industrial electronics, and specific CET endorsement areas not covered by military avionics.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Six Sigma Green BeltAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AN/USM-470A(V)4 Aviation Electrical System Tester (AVEST) | Avionics test equipment, such as those from Aeroflex or Keysight Technologies | Operations |
| Common Aviation Command and Control System (CAC2S) | Air traffic control and management systems (e.g., those used by the FAA or commercial airlines) | Networking |
| Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE) | Automated test equipment (ATE) for electronics diagnostics and repair | Operations |
| Aviation Ground Power Unit (AGPU) | Mobile ground power units for aircraft maintenance at airports | Operations |
| Technical Manuals and Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs) | Online databases and software for accessing maintenance and repair procedures (e.g., Mitchell 1, Alldata) | Operations |
| Standard Army Maintenance System - Enhanced (SAMS-E) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for tracking maintenance and managing inventory (e.g., IBM Maximo, SAP PM) | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 68F into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.