Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3021Also known as:
Aerographer, Aerospace Assembler, Aerospace Engineering Technologist, Aerospace Mechanic, Aerospace Operations Technologist
Median Annual Salary
$79,830
+8.1% growth (2024-2034)
900
Openings/Year
9K
Current Jobs
What Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians Do
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
💰 Salary
$79,830
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+8.1%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Associate's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
900
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
9,300
Projected Employment (2034)
10,100
Related Careers
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760 •
+1.1% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Calibration technologists and technicians
$65,040 •
+4.7% growth
Avionics technicians
$81,390 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Operations Monitoring
Quality Control Analysis
Active Listening
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
- Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Secondary Certificate
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians:
Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
6,829 degrees awarded •
377 colleges offer this program
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
3,770 degrees awarded •
193 colleges offer this program
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician
1,144 degrees awarded •
29 colleges offer this program
Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
719 degrees awarded •
35 colleges offer this program
Air and Space Operations Technology
114 degrees awarded •
4 colleges offer this program
Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology
70 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Astronautical Engineering
57 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians.
Want this ranking as a spreadsheet? Investor Pro+ members can export any Repit table to CSV. See plans →
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians make?
The median annual salary for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is $79,830.
What education do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians need?
Most aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians positions require a associate's degree.
Common degree programs include Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician, Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General, Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician.
Is becoming aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians a good career choice?
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is projected to see +8.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 900 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
Top colleges for aspiring aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians include
United States Air Force Academy, Carnegie Mellon University, Purdue University-Main Campus, Texas A & M University-College Station, New Jersey Institute of Technology.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians may also be known as: Aerographer, Aerospace Assembler, Aerospace Engineering Technologist, Aerospace Mechanic, Aerospace Operations Technologist, Aerospace Physiological Technician, Aerospace Technician, Aircraft Research Mechanic, Altitude Chamber Technician, Avionics Installation Technician, Avionics Test Technician, Data Acquisition Technician, Engineering Specialist, Engineering Technician, Engineering Test Technician, Flight Data Technician, Flight Readiness Technician, Flight Technician, Flight Test Data Acquisition Technician, Flight Test Instrument Technician.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.