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For Educators: Military Resources
For Educators: Military Resources

Aerospace Engineers

Median Salary
130,720
Job Outlook
+6%
In-Demand

Overview

What are the responsibilities of this role?

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.

What sectors do they work in?

Private for profit

89%

Federal Government

7%

Private not for profit

2%

Self-employed

2%

State and local government

0%

Did you know this role exists in the Military?

What is the job outlook?

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. About 4,200 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Compensation

What is the typical salary range?

$85,440

10%

$130,720

Median

$166,310

90%

How does location impact how much salary?

Education

What level of education do professionals in this role have?

Education Level

  • Bachelor's degree

    59%

  • Master's degree

    33%

  • Associate's degree

    7%

Which college majors best prepare you for this role?

  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering
  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
  • Astronautical Engineering

Skills and Interest

Which skill sets are the most valuable to possess?

Skills

  • Verbal Skills

    High

  • Leadership

    High

  • Math and Science Skills

    High

  • Technology Design and Control

    High

  • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

    High

  • Equipment Operation and Maintenance

    Low

What knowledge should you bring to the table?

  • Engineering and Technology
  • Mathematics
  • Design
  • Physics
  • Computers and Electronics

What challenges will you likely face in the workplace?

Workplace

  • Exposure to Job Hazards

    Mid

  • Level Of Competition

    Mid

  • Time Pressure

    Low

  • Repetitiveness

    Low

  • Responsibility

    Low

  • Decision Making

    Low

  • Physical Activity

    Low

What personality traits help people thrive in this role?

Investigative

You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.

Realistic

You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.

Conventional

You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.

RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.

Take the RIASEC Test

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Data supplied by Bureau of Labor Statistics, National Center of Education Statistics, Defense Manpower Data Center (View our update schedule). Contact any business, college or military service branch to answer additional questions.