Aerospace engineers
SOC Code: 17-2011Also known as:
Aerodynamicist, Aerodynamics Engineer, Aeronautical Design Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeronautical Project Engineer
Median Annual Salary
$134,830
+6.1% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
72K
Current Jobs
What Aerospace engineers Do
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
💰 Salary
$134,830
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+6.1%
Faster than average
🎓 Education
Bachelor's degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
71,600
Projected Employment (2034)
75,900
Related Careers
Mechanical engineers
$102,320 •
+9.1% growth
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
$79,830 •
+8.1% growth
Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians
$70,760 •
+1.1% growth
Mechanical engineering technologists and technicians
$68,730 •
+0.0% growth
Avionics technicians
$81,390 •
+8.2% growth
Top Skills Required
Critical Thinking
Reading Comprehension
Science
Active Listening
Writing
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
- Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
- Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Bachelor's Degree
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Aerospace engineers
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a aerospace engineers:
Mechanical Engineering
42,939 degrees awarded •
424 colleges offer this program
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
25,975 degrees awarded •
419 colleges offer this program
Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
9,539 degrees awarded •
92 colleges offer this program
Astronautical Engineering
57 degrees awarded •
2 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Aerospace engineers
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become aerospace engineers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make?
The median annual salary for aerospace engineers is $134,830.
What education do aerospace engineers need?
Most aerospace engineers positions require a bachelor's degree.
Common degree programs include Mechanical Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General.
Is becoming aerospace engineers a good career choice?
Aerospace engineers is projected to see +6.1% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,500 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for aerospace engineers?
Top colleges for aspiring aerospace engineers include
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor, University of California-Los Angeles, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus, University of California-Berkeley, University of Florida.
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 engineers?
Aerospace engineers may also be known as: Aerodynamicist, Aerodynamics Engineer, Aeronautical Design Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeronautical Project Engineer, Aeronautical Research Engineer, Aeronautical Test Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Aerospace Physiologist, Aerospace Programmable Logic Design Engineer, Aerospace Quality Engineer, Aerospace Stress Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, Aircraft Design Engineer, Aircraft Designer, Aircraft Engineer, Aircraft Instrument Engineer, Aircraft Stress Analyst, Aircraft Systems Engineer, Airplane Designer.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.