Boeing electrical jobs in 2026: electrician, avionics tech, and EE roles with salary ranges
Boeing's electrical workforce spans a wide spectrum — from union electricians who wire aircraft on the factory floor to avionics technicians who install and test flight-critical electronic systems to degreed electrical engineers who design the architectures that make everything work. In 2026, all three tracks are hiring aggressively as Boeing ramps production on commercial aircraft and sustains a massive portfolio of defense programs.
Understanding which electrical career track at Boeing is right for you depends on your background, education, and career goals. This guide maps out all three paths — electrician, avionics technician, and electrical engineer — with salary ranges, union status, and practical guidance on how to pursue each one.
The three electrical career tracks
Track 1: Aircraft electrician (hourly, union)
Aircraft electricians at Boeing install, terminate, test, and repair electrical wiring and harness assemblies in aircraft structures. This is hands-on, physical work performed on the factory floor and in aircraft interiors.
What you do:
- Route and secure wire bundles and harness assemblies through aircraft structures
- Terminate connectors, splice wires, and solder electrical connections
- Install lighting, power distribution panels, circuit breakers, and switches
- Read and interpret engineering drawings, wiring diagrams, and work orders
- Perform continuity checks and insulation resistance testing
- Troubleshoot and repair electrical discrepancies
Requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- Completion of an electrical apprenticeship or equivalent training
- Ability to read electrical schematics and blueprints
- Physical ability to work in confined spaces, at heights, and in various positions
- No formal degree required
Salary range (2026):
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary | With Overtime (est.) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–2 years) | $25–$30/hr | $52,000–$62,400 | $62,000–$78,000 |
| Experienced (2–7 years) | $32–$40/hr | $66,560–$83,200 | $80,000–$105,000 |
| Senior (7+ years) | $40–$48/hr | $83,200–$99,840 | $100,000–$125,000 |
Union status: At Boeing's Puget Sound facilities, electricians are represented by IAM District 751. The 2024 contract provides 43.65% compounded wage increases over four years, $12,000 ratification bonus, and up to 12% 401(k) company contribution.
Boeing offers electrician apprenticeship programs at several facilities, combining on-the-job training with classroom instruction over a 3-year period. Apprentices earn while they learn, starting at reduced rates and progressing to full journeyman pay upon completion. These programs are an excellent entry point for candidates without prior electrical experience.
Track 2: Avionics technician (hourly or salaried)
Avionics technicians install, test, calibrate, and maintain the electronic systems that control aircraft functions — flight instruments, navigation systems, communication radios, radar, autopilot systems, and warning systems.
What you do:
- Install and configure avionics systems per engineering specifications
- Perform functional testing of installed systems using specialized test equipment
- Troubleshoot complex avionics discrepancies using wiring diagrams and system schematics
- Calibrate instruments and sensors
- Document test results and compliance with regulatory requirements
- Interface with engineering to resolve technical issues
Requirements:
- Associate degree in avionics technology or equivalent military training
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate preferred
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) helpful
- Experience with avionics test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, TDRs)
- Ability to read and interpret technical publications and wiring diagrams
Salary range (2026):
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate / Salary | Annual Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level tech | $26–$32/hr | $54,080–$66,560 | Basic installation and test |
| Avionics tech (experienced) | $34–$42/hr | $70,720–$87,360 | Complex system troubleshooting |
| Senior avionics tech | $42–$50/hr | $87,360–$104,000 | System integration, lead role |
| Avionics inspector | $45–$52/hr | $93,600–$108,160 | Quality oversight and sign-off |
Avionics specialization adds approximately $8,000 to $15,000 annually compared to general aviation maintenance technician rates, and security clearance adds another $12,000 to $25,000 for defense program work.
Union status: Avionics technicians at Puget Sound facilities are IAM-represented. At defense sites (St. Louis, Mesa, Long Beach), union status varies.
Track 3: Electrical engineer (salaried, professional)
Electrical engineers at Boeing design the electrical architectures, avionics systems, power distribution networks, and electronic hardware that enable aircraft and spacecraft to function. This is the engineering track covered in depth in our Boeing electrical engineer salary guide.
What you do:
- Design electrical power generation and distribution systems
- Develop avionics architectures and integrate electronic subsystems
- Create wiring diagrams, electrical schematics, and interface control documents
- Perform electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) and electromagnetic interference (EMI) analysis
- Conduct design reviews and support certification activities
- Analyze electrical loads, power quality, and system reliability
Requirements:
- Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, computer engineering, or related field
- Master's degree preferred for senior positions
- Knowledge of aerospace electrical standards (MIL-STD, DO-160, DO-254)
- Experience with EDA tools (Altium, Cadence, Mentor Graphics)
- Understanding of digital and analog circuit design
Salary range (2026):
| Level | Base Salary | Total Comp |
|---|---|---|
| L1 (entry) | $78,000–$95,000 | $85,000–$105,000 |
| L2 (experienced) | $92,000–$120,000 | $102,000–$135,000 |
| L3 (senior) | $115,000–$148,000 | $130,000–$170,000 |
| L4 (lead) | $140,000–$175,000 | $162,000–$205,000 |
| L5 (principal) | $165,000–$195,000 | $192,000–$235,000 |
Union status: EEs at Puget Sound are represented by SPEEA, which provides salary minimums, annual raises, and overtime eligibility for L1-L3 engineers.
Union vs. non-union comparison
Union representation is one of the most significant factors affecting electrical job compensation at Boeing:
| Factor | Union (IAM/SPEEA) | Non-Union |
|---|---|---|
| Pay transparency | Published salary floors and steps | Negotiated individually |
| Annual raises | Guaranteed by contract | Performance-based, not guaranteed |
| Overtime | Contractual rates and rules | Varies by site policy |
| Job security | Seniority-based layoff order | At-will employment |
| Shift assignment | Seniority-based bidding | Management discretion |
| Grievance process | Formal multi-step procedure | Open-door policy, informal |
| Union dues | ~1.4% of gross pay | None |
| Pay premium | +20–30% vs. non-union sites | Baseline |
The electrician and avionics tech tracks do not require a four-year degree and offer strong pay with union protections. The electrical engineer track requires a bachelor's degree but offers higher long-term earning potential. Some Boeing employees start as electricians, earn engineering degrees through Boeing's tuition reimbursement program ($15,000/year), and transition to EE roles — combining hands-on experience with design expertise.
Where Boeing electrical jobs are located
Boeing electrical positions are distributed across all major sites:
Puget Sound, WA (Everett, Renton, Auburn): Largest concentration of electrical jobs, covering all three tracks. Commercial aviation focus with IAM and SPEEA representation.
St. Louis, MO: Second-largest electrical workforce, focused on fighter aircraft (F-15EX, F/A-18, T-7A) and defense electronics. Mix of union and non-union positions.
Mesa, AZ: Apache helicopter avionics and electrical systems. Growing electrical workforce with ongoing production and modernization contracts.
Long Beach / Huntington Beach / El Segundo, CA: Defense and space programs including C-17 sustainment, satellite systems, and Starliner. Southern California pay scales.
North Charleston, SC: 787 Dreamliner electrical installation and test. Non-union site with competitive but lower pay than Puget Sound.
Huntsville, AL: Space Launch System (SLS), missile defense electronics, and Starliner support. Growing space-focused electrical workforce.
How to apply for Boeing electrical jobs
All Boeing electrical positions are posted at jobs.boeing.com. Here's how to search effectively:
- For electrician roles: Search "electrician" or browse "All Hourly/Unions" category
- For avionics tech roles: Search "avionics technician" or "avionics installer"
- For EE roles: Search "electrical engineer" or browse "Engineering" category
Tips for a stronger application:
- Tailor your resume to highlight relevant certifications (A&P, FCC GROL, journeyman card)
- Mention specific aircraft or systems experience
- Include security clearance status if applicable
- List proficiency with relevant tools and equipment
Frequently asked questions
What electrical jobs does Boeing have?
Boeing offers three main electrical career tracks: aircraft electricians (hourly, hands-on wiring and installation), avionics technicians (installation, testing, and troubleshooting of electronic flight systems), and electrical engineers (design, analysis, and integration of electrical architectures). Salaries range from $52,000 for entry-level electricians to over $195,000 for principal electrical engineers.
Do Boeing electricians need a degree?
No. Boeing electrician positions require a high school diploma and completion of an electrical apprenticeship or equivalent training. Boeing also offers apprenticeship programs for candidates who want to learn on the job. Avionics technicians typically need an associate degree or military equivalent, while electrical engineers need a bachelor's degree.
Are Boeing electrical jobs union?
At Puget Sound facilities (Washington state), electricians and avionics technicians are represented by IAM, and electrical engineers are represented by SPEEA. Union representation provides guaranteed wage increases, overtime protections, seniority-based job security, and formal grievance procedures. Non-union electrical positions exist at Boeing sites in South Carolina, parts of Missouri, and other locations.
Which Boeing electrical job pays the most?
Electrical engineers at the principal/advisory level (L5) earn the highest base salaries at $165,000 to $195,000. However, experienced electricians and avionics technicians working overtime at union sites can earn total annual compensation of $100,000 to $125,000, which is competitive with mid-level EE salaries at non-union sites.
Can I transition from electrician to electrical engineer at Boeing?
Yes. Boeing's tuition reimbursement program covers up to $15,000 per year for approved degree programs. Several Boeing electricians have earned electrical engineering degrees while working and transitioned to salaried EE positions. The combination of hands-on installation experience and engineering design knowledge is highly valued.
Browse current Boeing jobs or read more about Boeing electrical engineer salaries and Boeing entry-level positions.
