
Aviation Electronics Technician(AT Navy Rating)
Maintains and repairs aviation electronics and avionics systems.
Overall
Quick Stats
- ✓Vision: Corrects to 20/20
- ✓Normal color perception
- ✓No speech impediment
Security Clearance
Secret~$3K–$15K civilian sector value
Requires a National Agency Check with Local Agency Check and Credit Check (NACLC). Processing typically takes 1–3 months and is initiated early in your training pipeline.
ASVAB Requirements
AFQT Minimum
Who This Is Best For
Best for strong analytical thinkers who enjoy working with sophisticated electronics and want some of the best civilian career prospects in the Navy. Defense contractor and IT industry jobs paying six figures actively seek former ATs. Ideal for someone who wants intellectual challenge with strong post-Navy earning potential.
+Pros
- ✓Strong civilian career transition
–Cons
- ✗Long A-school pipeline
Real Opinions
+Positive
“I would recommend AT to anyone considering it. The training is solid and the community takes care of its own.”
“The Navy taught me discipline, technical skills, and how to work under pressure. I feel fully prepared for great opportunities ahead.”
–Negative & Mixed
“Like any rate, AT has its downsides. Long hours, time away from family, and Navy bureaucracy are real.”
“The constant inspection and deployment cycle can easily lead to burnout especially if you have a family.”
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0 charsRecruiter vs Reality
What the recruiter says vs. what it's actually like.
🫡 Recruiter says
“The AT rate offers great training and career advancement opportunities!”
💀 Reality
Source: MyNavyRates researchTraining and advancement are available but vary by command and manning. Ask specific questions about sea/shore rotation, typical duty stations, and advancement rates for AT.
🫡 Recruiter says
“AT is the most technical aviation rate.”
💀 Reality
Source: sailor forumsAT and AE both do electronics work. AT focuses on mission systems while AE focuses on airframe electrical. Both are valuable but neither is working on the newest technology daily.
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Horror Stories
Real stories people have shared about this rate. Swipe to browse.
“ATs were screwed most of the time because aircraft avionics systems were always going down — constant software upgrades, FLIR pods not aligning. The unrelenting workload had no additional pay.”
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0 charsRelated Reading
Guides on picking a rate, ASVAB, bonuses, promotion, and life after the Navy.
Getting Started
How do you choose the right Navy rate for you?
Choosing a Navy rate means weighing your ASVAB scores, lifestyle preferences, civilian career goals, and willingness to deploy or go to sea. Start by identifying which ratings you qualify for, then narrow the list by what matters most to you.
Getting Started
What is the ASVAB and what scores do you need?
The ASVAB is a multi-aptitude test that determines which Navy ratings you qualify for. Your sub-test scores combine into line scores, and each rating has minimum line-score requirements. Higher scores open more options.
Career & Pay
Which Navy rates have the biggest enlistment bonuses in 2026?
Active Component (Active Duty) only. Per the CNRC GENADMIN dated 10 April 2026, the Nuclear Field carries the biggest source-rate bonus at $40,000 (FY26 ship dates) and a $75,000 EB cap. Top Special Operations and submarine ratings sit at $30,000 EBSR with a $60,000 EB cap. All other rates cap at $50,000. The Loan Repayment Program adds up to $65,000 on top, separately. Reserve component (SELRES) bonuses are governed by a different message and are not covered here.
Career & Pay