Outlook for Aviation Maintenance?

T

ThatGuy2010

New Member
Im about to get out of the Navy in 2 years and am exploring some new careers once I get out. ill be 30 years old, 8 years of Navy electronics technician experience(specifically ATC radar maintenance), BA Sociology, and AAS in Electronics. I want to go back to school using the GI bill. I have a couple local community colleges that offer the 2 year A&P training which I would use the GI bill to pay for.


1. After I graduate said courses what are the prospects of landing a job in the field? What is the salary for beginning and say 5 years later? What other certs can I get to increase my prospects and pay?

2. I live in Seattle, WA. Alot of my friends work at the Boeing Plant in Everett as hourly paid machinists and electricians with relevant experience beforehand. With this kind of cert and military electronics background what kind of jobs would be available? I really want to stay in the Seattle area.

Basically is this a good field to get into with my kind of background?
 
I am in the Navy as well at 16+ years as an avionics tech and I saw your other post putting feelers out. I was out for three years and worked at BFG in Everett as an avionics installer, but that was 10+ years ago. I really liked that job! It has been my experience that maintenance techs are a sought after bunch. Since i like GA, I stop at a lot of shops just to check them out and network. Every shop I stop at are looking for people, but they're not...you know what I mean? You have to fit them and you have to be passionate. The pay will be ok as far as the economy, depending upon your lifestyle. It won't be the highest paying job in the world. If you get into the airlines, you could be making pretty good money in 30 years. You really shouldn't have too much trouble with a military background. One interview I had had me trace some schematics, deal a little in avionics theory, and demonstrate knowledge in aircraft systems. Did you check the FAA? Go to the sight and check out the Electronics jobs. They are hiring and pay pretty well. Go to your local FSDO and talk to the guys that do the field work-lights and electronics. It'll be great mentorship and networking at the same time. Prove your worth and you'll have a job. Good luck to you.
 
Thanks! I did look into the FAA electronic jobs. The starting pay was kind of lower then I thought 30-35k but it also said something about locality pay so sounds like youd make more if you lived in an urban area but not sure how much more though. Good to know Navy techs are able to get jobs though.
 
From what I see and hear, a guy with your credentials is golden. Have you looked into the civilian DoD contractors?
 
Im a little bit familiar with it. Have some friends who got out and did it. I really want to move back to Seattle though and I know alot of DOD contractors are based out of San Diego or the east coast somewhere.
 
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