National
How to Become a Sonar Technician
Learn what sonar technician professionals do, how to enter the field, and how the career can grow—plus current U.S. earning potential.
Texas Median Salary
$56,210
2026 EDITION
Time to Entry
7-10 years (or longer for TS/SCI)
Total Investment
$200-$500/hour
Employment #s
2250
Our Features
Every figure in this guide is dated and traced to the agency or survey it came from. Wage data: BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026). Wage shown is for a related occupation and is indicative only — BLS publishes no exact match for this role.
Who It's For:
For people exploring sonar technician and ready-to-start candidates who want a clear, source-backed view of the work, the entry requirements, the time and cost involved, and the paths available after qualification.
What's in the Guide:
What the work involves, where the role fits, and what employers expect | A step-by-step entry roadmap covering education, regulation, credentials, exams, time, and cost | Career-specific skills and realities: Specific Agencies/Branches for Sonar Technicians; Texas-Specific DoD Presence and Strategic Importance | Current U.S. pay ranges and the factors that shape earning potential | A source-backed 90-day action plan
Earning Potential
Texas
$40,370 – $79,710
United States
$40,370 – $79,710
BLS OEWS May 2025 (released 15 May 2026)
Regulatory Authority
Department of Defense
Is a license required?
Varies
Credential
THE LICENSE: SECURITY CLEARANCE & MILITARY/DoD TRAINING
Continuing Education
continuing education, and networking across all engineering disciplines
Examination
Physical examination, drug screening, background checks, and
Heading 3
Department of Defense sets the standard that employers hire against.
Common Questions
Credential
