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.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
SOC: 17-3021 O*NET: 17-3021.00
Median Salary
$82,890
per year
Job Growth
🚀 8.1%
Much Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
0.9
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Job Zone 3
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.
What does a Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$59,050
10th percentile
Early Career
$67,680
25th percentile
Median
$82,890
50th percentile
Experienced
$111,280
75th percentile
Top Earners
$125,160
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$59,050
25th
$67,680
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$82,890
Mean: $91,310
75th
$111,280
90th
$125,160
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $66,110 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $67,680 and $111,280
- •Salary spread is 52.6% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 11,280 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
High Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:9,300
Top Industries
Manufacturing55.9%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing45.2%
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing45.1%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+8.1%
Annual Openings:900
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)9,300
Current
2034 (Projected)10,100
+8.1%
+800
Employment Change
+8.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: Faster than average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 27 locations
Washington
1,590 jobs$125,1606.18x
California
1,560 jobs$99,0001.18x
Texas
950 jobs$78,3500.93x
Ohio
900 jobs$79,3102.24x
Florida
770 jobs$78,5601.06x
Colorado
660 jobs$98,9903.17x
Kansas
580 jobs$78,3505.59x
Indiana
480 jobs$62,5202.06x
Georgia
400 jobs$01.13x
Utah
400 jobs$76,6803.18x
Arizona
380 jobs$75,2301.60x
New York
330 jobs$64,4800.47x
Virginia
270 jobs$81,0400.91x
Maryland
200 jobs$91,8201.00x
North Carolina
190 jobs$00.53x
Understanding the Data
Location Quotient (LQ):
- • LQ > 1.0: More jobs than national average
- • LQ = 1.0: Same as national average
- • LQ < 1.0: Fewer jobs than national average
Data Source:
Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025
Key Growth Factors
- •Faster than average growth expected
- •High current market demand
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Mechanical
100%
#2
Critical Thinking
100%
#3
Oral Expression
100%
#4
Quality Control Analysis
94%
#5
Engineering and Technology
94%
#6
Oral Comprehension
92%
#7
Mathematics
86%
#8
Reading Comprehension
86%
#9
Written Comprehension
82%
#10
Operations Monitoring
80%
Skills Overview
Mechanical
advanced5.0
100%
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Oral Expression
advanced5.0
100%
Quality Control Analysis
advanced4.7
94%
Engineering and Technology
advanced4.7
94%
Oral Comprehension
advanced4.6
92%
Mathematics
intermediate4.3
86%
Reading Comprehension
basic4.3
86%
Skills are rated on a scale of 0-5, with 5 being the most important. The complexity level indicates how advanced the skill typically needs to be.
Filter:
Sort by:
Mechanical
advancedImportance100%
knowledge
5.0/5.0
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Oral Expression
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Quality Control Analysis
advancedImportance94%
skills
4.7/5.0
Engineering and Technology
advancedImportance94%
knowledge
4.7/5.0
Oral Comprehension
advancedImportance92%
abilities
4.6/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance86%
knowledge
4.3/5.0
Reading Comprehension
basicImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Written Comprehension
intermediateImportance82%
abilities
4.1/5.0
Operations Monitoring
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Production and Processing
intermediateImportance80%
knowledge
4.0/5.0
Active Listening
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians82%
5 shared skills
Security and Fire Alarm Systems Installers82%
5 shared skills
Appraisers and Assessors of Real Estate70%
5 shared skills
Agricultural Inspectors67%
5 shared skills
Avionics Technicians67%
5 shared skills
Quality Control Systems Managers67%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Must Have:
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Production and Processing
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →English Language
- →Administrative
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Quality Control Analysis
- ✓Operations Monitoring
- ✓Mechanical
- ✓Engineering and Technology
- ✓Mathematics
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Quality Control Analysis
- ★Mechanical
- ★Engineering and Technology
- ★Mathematics
- ★Production and Processing
Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on developing the top 5 skills first - they have the highest impact on career success
- •Transferable skills open doors to related careers and provide flexibility
- •Balance technical skills with soft skills for well-rounded professional development
- •Entry-level positions prioritize foundational skills that can be built upon over time
What technology will you use?
Technology & Digital Skills
Essential technology proficiencies for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Technology Intensity
Very High
Digital Literacy Requirements
This career requires expert digital literacy
1
Basic
2
Intermediate
3
Advanced
4
Expert
Key Digital Competencies:
Advanced software proficiencySystem architecture understandingAutomation and scriptingEmerging technology adaptationTechnical problem-solving
🔥
Hot Technologies in Demand
These technologies are currently trending and highly sought after in this field
Autodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechApache Hadoop
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SQL Server
🔥 Hot TechOracle Database
🔥 Hot TechStructured query language SQL
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft SharePoint
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Apache Hadoop
Microsoft Access
Microsoft SQL Server
Oracle Database
Structured query language SQL
Microsoft SharePoint
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
C++
📚 Technology Learning Resources
Recommended Certifications
- •Vendor-specific software certifications
- •Industry-recognized technology credentials
- •Professional development courses
Online Learning Platforms
- •LinkedIn Learning - Comprehensive technology courses
- •Coursera - University-level programs
- •Udemy - Practical skills training
💡 Technology Skill Development Tips
- •Focus on mastering hot technologies first - they're currently most in-demand
- •Build a portfolio demonstrating your proficiency with key tools and software
- •Stay current through continuous learning - technology evolves rapidly
- •Consider vendor certifications to validate your skills to employers
What's the work environment like?
🏢
Location
MOSTLY INDOOR
💪
Physical Demand
MODERATE
👥
Team Orientation
SOME TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
OCCASIONAL
💡Is This Work Environment Right for You?
Consider these factors when evaluating if you'll thrive in this work environment:
- •Are you comfortable working in mostly indoor environments?
- •Can you meet moderate physical demands?
- •Do you enjoy some team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
11
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Documentation & Record-Keeping (3)General Responsibilities (4)Planning & Development (3)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping100% perform100%
2
Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping97% perform98%
3
Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities94% perform96%
4
Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
General Responsibilities91% perform94%
5
Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development88% perform92%
6
Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping85% perform90%
7
Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Operations & Execution82% perform88%
8
Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development79% perform86%
9
Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities76% perform84%
10
Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
General Responsibilities73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on documentation & record-keeping activities
- •64% of tasks are performed by most workers in this occupation
- •Career advancement brings increased leadership and strategic responsibilities
What career paths are available?
Career Pathways
0
Advancement Opportunities
0
Lateral Move Options
0%
Avg. Salary Increase
Advancement Opportunities
Typical career progression paths from Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
💡 Career Planning Tips
- •Most successful advancement happens after 3-5 years of experience
- •Lateral moves can provide valuable cross-functional experience for future leadership roles
- •Focus on developing skills that are transferable across multiple career paths
- •Consider industry trends when planning long-term career moves
Is this career right for you?
Personality & Values Fit
Is This Career Right for You?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians professionals typically have a RCI Holland code and highly value support
RRealistic
CConventional
IInvestigative
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.77
Dependability
CriticalDependability
Importance Level4.61
Analytical Thinking
Very ImportantAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.47
Integrity
Very ImportantIntegrity
Importance Level4.45
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.37
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.23
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.8
Dependability
4.6
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Integrity
4.5
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.4
Initiative
4.2
Persistence
4.2
Independence
4.2
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Cooperation
3.8
💡 Tips for Career Fit Success
- •While personality fit is important, skills can be developed with practice and training
- •Consider informational interviews to better understand the day-to-day personality requirements
- •Work environments vary by employer - research specific companies for cultural fit
- •Your interests and values may evolve - reassess periodically throughout your career
What education is required?
Education Level
Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Typical duration: Varies
Preparation Level
Job Zone 3
Medium Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Vocational school, on-the-job training, or associate degree
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Training:
Training of more than one year
💼 Experience Requirement
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience required
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Associate degree programs
- • Apprenticeships (1-2 years)
- • Vocational training with related experience
3
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Associate degree programsApprenticeships (1-2 years)Vocational training with related experience
Ready to Start Your Journey?
Explore educational programs that can help you become a Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians.
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