Expert: David A. NewMyer - 8/8/2009

Question
would a education in aviation mechanics and avionics be worth the time and money with this unstable economy?
And what is the estimated salary for entry-level employees?

Answer
Hi, Mark:

Thanks very much for your question, I will try to assist!

First of all, yes, this is an unstable economy, but, one of the areas of aviation where jobs seem to be continually avialable would be for people with Avionics training who also hold an Airframe and Power Plant Mechanics Certificate.  Better yet, if you can combine this all with some sort of degree program, that would be your best bet for the long term (in terms of making you competitive for initial hiring as well as for promotions later).

Another point is that the economy is already showing a few positive signs; therefore, we should be on the road to recovery in two to three years.  This would be about the time you would be in school to complete both an A and P certificate as well as Avionics training.

So, yes, I believe that such a combination of aviation studies would be a good thing for you to do in spite of the current economic situation.

On salaries, graduates from the Aviation Technologies program where I work (Southern Illinois University Carbondale) are averaging $40,000 to $60,000 a year to start, and, at the higher end of they have some sort of prior military or industry background in either Avionics or A and P mechanics work (as an intern or whatever).  The area of the aviation industry where graduates are finding the most opportunities are with aviation and aerospace manufacturers such as the Boeing Company, Lockheed-Martin or Rockwell-Collins.

I hope that this helps you with your career plans.  Please follow up with another question via AllExperts if you have any additional questions.

Sincerely,

David A. NewMyer, Ph.D., Professor and Chair
Aviation Management and Flight
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
http://www.aviation.siu.edu