This guide provides helpful information for those looking to join the Navy as an Electronics Technician (ET) during the Fiscal Year 2025.
Mission success depends on staying one step ahead of the enemy.
Electronics Technicians (ETs) operate radar and advanced ship systems to detect and track threats before the enemy even knows they’re there.
They also deploy electronic countermeasures, using technology to confuse and deflect enemy radars and sensors—making their ship nearly invisible.
It’s a strategic battle, and Electronics Technicians fight to win.
Job Description
Electronics Technicians (ET) are Navy enlisted Sailors who perform, oversee, and coordinate the maintenance, calibration, configuration, and alignment of cryptographic, radar, navigation, and Command, Control, Computer, Communication, and Intelligence (C4I) systems aboard Navy vessels. This involves using test equipment and technical drawings.
Navy Electronics Technicians keep systems running on ships and landing craft—whether at sea or on land.
They don’t just work in combat. They also support humanitarian missions, helping with disaster response when needed.
- 9,000 strong. The ET rating is one of the Navy’s most vital technical fields.
- Six-year commitment. Advanced Electronics/Computer Field (AECF) personnel go through intense training.
- Selective entry. Only highly motivated, qualified applicants get into the AECF program—handling the Navy’s most advanced tech isn’t for everyone.
ETs don’t just fix things—they keep the fleet ready for anything.
Specific Responsibilities
Electronics Technicians keep Navy systems running. Radar. Comms. Navigation. Countermeasures. They work with computer, aerospace, and electrical engineering to stay mission-ready.
What they do:
- Spot enemy ships and aircraft. Track them. Measure distance.
- Fix, calibrate, and maintain radar, tracking, and countermeasure systems.
- Keep electronic equipment running. Radar. Comms. Navigation.
- Work with hand tools and power tools. Whatever gets the job done.
They make sure the ship sees the enemy before the enemy sees them.
Different Roles
Electronics Communications Technician
Handles communications equipment on ships, shore stations, and portable systems.
- Troubleshoots, repairs, and aligns communications gear.
- Restores equipment after system failures.
- Manages maintenance records and updates reports.
- Supervises personnel for inventory and testing.
Electronics Data Systems Technician
Works with computer-based electronics and network systems.
- Analyzes equipment operation and configures networks.
- Troubleshoots and repairs electronic systems.
- Restores operability of assigned computer-based equipment.
- Manages test equipment calibration and updates records.
- Supervises inventories, maintenance, and safety checks.
Electronics Radar Systems Technician
Maintains radar systems used for tracking and navigation.
- Analyzes, troubleshoots, and repairs radar equipment.
- Updates records and manages calibration requirements.
- Conducts safety checks and supervises personnel.
- Manages radar system inventory and maintenance.
Electronics Systems Manager
Oversees technicians, equipment, and training programs.
- Trains junior technicians in qualification standards and system operations.
- Manages maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing across multiple teams.
- Reports system capabilities and limitations to senior personnel.
- Oversees safety programs, inspections, and certifications.
- Drafts and updates procedures, reports, and manuals.
From repairing frontline systems to leading entire teams, each specialty plays a role in keeping the Navy mission-ready.
Rank Structure
Pay Grade | Rate | Abbreviation | Title |
---|---|---|---|
E-1 | Seaman Recruit | SR | Seaman Recruit |
E-2 | Seaman Apprentice | SA | Seaman Apprentice |
E-3 | Seaman | SN | Seaman |
E-4 | Electronics Technician Third Class | ET3 | Petty Officer Third Class |
E-5 | Electronics Technician Second Class | ET2 | Petty Officer Second Class |
E-6 | Electronics Technician First Class | ET1 | Petty Officer First Class |
E-7 | Chief Electronics Technician | ETC | Chief Petty Officer |
E-8 | Senior Chief Electronics Technician | ETCS | Senior Chief Petty Officer |
E-9 | Master Chief Electronics Technician | ETCM | Master Chief Petty Officer |
Salary and Benefits
Salary for the First 6 Years
Monthly pay for Navy enlisted Sailors (E-1 to E-6) in the first six years is laid out in the January 2025 Active Duty Pay chart:
Paygrade | Less than 2 Years | Over 2 Years | Over 3 Years | Over 4 Years | Over 6 Years |
E-1 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 | $2,108.10 |
E-2 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 | $2,362.80 |
E-3 | $2,484.60 | $2,640.60 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 | $2,800.80 |
E-4 | $2,752.20 | $2,892.90 | $3,049.80 | $3,204.30 | $3,341.40 |
E-5 | $3,001.50 | $3,203.70 | $3,358.80 | $3,517.20 | $3,763.80 |
E-6 | $3,276.60 | $3,606.00 | $3,765.00 | $3,919.80 | $4,080.60 |
Extra Pays and Allowances
Housing Allowance (BAH):
For members living off-base. Covers rent, based on rank, location, and if they have dependents.
Subsistence Allowance (BAS):
Enlisted get $465.77 monthly for food.
Hazard Duty Pay:
For dangerous jobs. Pays $150-$250 per month, depending on the job.
Sea Pay:
For those assigned to ships or deployed units. Depends on rank and time at sea, from $50 to $750 a month.
Special and Incentive Pays:
Bonuses for certain roles, like air traffic control or unique skills. These can be a few hundred to thousands per year.
Source: Figures are from the Defense Finance and Accounting Service.
Benefits
- Healthcare: Active-duty personnel are eligible for free complete medical and dental treatment. Tricare programs are inexpensive for families to use.
- Housing Accomodation: Depending on location, rank, and family size, free on-base accommodation or a tax-free housing allowance (BAH) for off-base living are available.
- Food: Monthly Basic Allowance for Subsistence (BAS) for food costs is known as the “food allowance.”
- Blended Retirement System (BRS): Conventional pensions are no longer available to active-duty personnel. Rather:
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP): Up to 5% in government matching and automatic contributions.
- Retirement Pay: After 20 years of service, you’re eligible for monthly payments according on the BRS formula, which combines TSP savings with a calculated pension.
- Education:
- Availability of tuition assistance programs that pay for all or part of college tuition.
- Support for higher education under the post-9/11 GI Bill.
- Navy College Program to support education while on service.
- Life Insurance: Servicemembers’ Group Life Insurance (SGLI) provides coverage up to $500,000.
- Vacation: ten or more federal holidays plus thirty days of paid vacation each year.
- Extra Benefits:
- Exchanges and commissaries provide tax-free purchasing.
- Discounted travel via military resorts, access to fitness centers, and leisure amenities.
Training and Promotion Opportunities
Initial Training
After Boot Camp in Great Lakes, IL, you move to specialized training.
- Apprentice Technical Training (11 weeks) – Covers basic electronics, safety, circuits, fiber optics, troubleshooting.
- ET “A” School (19 weeks) – Focuses on communications systems, satellite equipment, radar, transmitters, receivers.
After “A” School, some go to “C” School for more advanced training. Then, it’s off to the fleet or a shore station, either in the U.S. or overseas.
Promotions come regularly but aren’t guaranteed—you have to perform.
Advanced Training
With experience, ETs may qualify for advanced training.
Those aiming for leadership—with the right experience and a college degree—can apply for Officer roles to lead and train others.
Post-Service Opportunities
ET training doesn’t just stay in the Navy. The skills translate into civilian jobs like:
- Electrical engineering
- Network and computer support
- Telecommunications
- Cybersecurity
Navy ETs walk away with real-world experience and industry-recognized skills that set them up for success.
Qualifications to Join
To qualify as an Enlisted Sailor and an Electronics Technician, you must hold a high-school diploma or equivalent and be a U.S. citizen eligible for security clearance.
ET applicants should have strong arithmetic, writing, and speaking skills. They should also be able to work with computers and electronic devices. Attention to detail, record-keeping, and teamwork are essential.
Eligibility Requirements
To be an Electronics Technician (ET), you need:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- U.S. citizenship
- Security clearance eligibility
- Normal hearing
- Normal color vision (no waivers)
Skills & Abilities:
- Math, writing, and communication – Need to understand and explain technical info.
- Computers and electronics – Work with circuits, systems, and troubleshooting.
- Detail-oriented – Repairs need to be exact, records need to be right.
- Teamwork – Work with others to keep systems running.
- Manual dexterity & strength – Hands-on work with small components and heavy gear.
General qualifications depend on if you’re new to the military, prior service, or currently serving.
ASVAB Requirement
Applicants must score the minimum ASVAB score below to qualify to join the Navy as an Electronics Technician (ET).
ASVAB for ET:
- MK + EI + GS = 156 + AR = 223
The enlistment qualification requirements above are current as of Fiscal Year 2025, per the Navy Personnel Command. This information is not readily available to the public.
So, contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter for the most current requirements to join the Navy as an enlisted Sailor.
More Information
If you wish to learn more about becoming an Electronics Technician (ET), contact your local Navy Enlisted Recruiter. They will provide you with more detailed information you’re unlikely to find online.
You may also be interested in the following related Navy Enlisted jobs: