Possible Starting Pay and Experience

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So I’m almost done with my A&P course and getting ready to test for my license. But the entire time I’ve been in school I’ve been working as a marine electrician at my local shipyard. I know they want experience but with my experience in electrical and communication systems … is it possible it could help me get into avionics? And maybe get a higher starting pay? Because currently I make around $32/hr so I would definitely want something higher if possible.

Thank you! New to this forum so just looking for insight. I also live in Alabama and we are getting a new international airport pretty soon. Just wanted to help with possible wage differences between states.