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.
Aerospace Engineers
SOC: 17-2011 O*NET: 17-2011.00
Median Salary
$134,830
per year
Job Growth
📈 6.1%
Faster (2024-2034)
Annual Openings
4.5
projected jobs/year
Education Level
Bachelor's degree or higher
Job Zone 4
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 does a Aerospace Engineers do?
How much can you earn?
Entry Level
$85,350
10th percentile
Early Career
$104,740
25th percentile
Median
$134,830
50th percentile
Experienced
$174,480
75th percentile
Top Earners
$205,850
90th percentile
National Salary Distribution
10th
$85,350
25th
$104,740
Middle 50%
MEDIAN
$134,830
Mean: $141,180
75th
$174,480
90th
$205,850
Middle 50% of earners
Median salary
Mean (average)
Key Insights
- •Salary range spans $120,500 from entry level to top earners
- •Middle 50% earn between $104,740 and $174,480
- •Salary spread is 51.7% around the median, showing high variation
- •Total national employment: 68,440 professionals
What's the job outlook?
Job Market Intelligence
Medium Demand
Market demand
Medium Risk
Automation risk
Current Employment
National Employment:71,600
Top Industries
Manufacturing45.1%
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing37.9%
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing37.9%
10-Year Outlook
Growth Rate:+6.1%
Annual Openings:4,500
Employment Projections
2024 (Current)71,600
Current
2034 (Projected)75,900
+6.1%
+4,400
Employment Change
+6.1%
Growth Rate
10
Year Projection
Growth Category: As fast as average
Geographic Salary & Employment Data
Explore where Aerospace Engineers professionals work across the United States
Showing 15 of 42 locations
California
9,330 jobs$143,8601.16x
Texas
7,660 jobs$126,4701.25x
Washington
5,700 jobs$158,6003.63x
Alabama
5,570 jobs$133,0806.00x
Colorado
4,020 jobs$151,5703.14x
Ohio
3,770 jobs$134,2301.54x
Maryland
3,490 jobs$158,2202.86x
Florida
3,100 jobs$127,6800.71x
Georgia
3,060 jobs$142,9101.42x
Virginia
2,820 jobs$132,1601.57x
New Mexico
1,940 jobs$139,7705.07x
Kansas
1,900 jobs$126,6402.99x
Arizona
1,770 jobs$135,6201.25x
New Jersey
1,550 jobs$128,4000.82x
Oklahoma
1,550 jobs$109,9202.06x
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 2024
Key Growth Factors
- •Average growth expected
What skills do you need?
Top 10 Most Important Skills
#1
Critical Thinking
100%
#2
Reading Comprehension
94%
#3
Science
86%
#4
Mathematics
80%
#5
Operations Analysis
74%
#6
Speaking
66%
#7
Writing
60%
#8
Complex Problem Solving
54%
#9
Active Listening
46%
#10
Judgment and Decision Making
40%
Skills Overview
Critical Thinking
advanced5.0
100%
Reading Comprehension
advanced4.7
94%
Science
intermediate4.3
86%
Mathematics
intermediate4.0
80%
Operations Analysis
intermediate3.7
74%
Speaking
intermediate3.3
66%
Writing
intermediate3.0
60%
Complex Problem Solving
advanced2.7
54%
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:
Critical Thinking
advancedImportance100%
abilities
5.0/5.0
Reading Comprehension
advancedImportance94%
abilities
4.7/5.0
Science
intermediateImportance86%
abilities
4.3/5.0
Mathematics
intermediateImportance80%
skills
4.0/5.0
Operations Analysis
intermediateImportance74%
skills
3.7/5.0
Speaking
intermediateImportance66%
skills
3.3/5.0
Writing
intermediateImportance60%
skills
3.0/5.0
Complex Problem Solving
advancedImportance54%
abilities
2.7/5.0
Active Listening
basicImportance46%
skills
2.3/5.0
Judgment and Decision Making
basicImportance40%
abilities
2.0/5.0
Highly Transferable Skills
These skills are valuable across multiple career paths, making career transitions easier:
Bioengineers and Biomedical Engineers100%
5 shared skills
Atmospheric and Space Scientists82%
5 shared skills
Mechanical Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Statisticians82%
5 shared skills
Wind Energy Engineers82%
5 shared skills
Environmental Science and Protection Technicians, Including Health82%
5 shared skills
Skills by Career Stage
Entry Level
Learn on the Job:
- →Speaking
- →Writing
- →Complex Problem Solving
Mid Career
Expected:
- ✓Mathematics
- ✓Critical Thinking
- ✓Reading Comprehension
- ✓Science
Senior Level
Mastery Required:
- ★Mathematics
- ★Critical Thinking
- ★Reading Comprehension
- ★Science
- ★Operations Analysis
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 Engineers
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
The MathWorks MATLAB
🔥 Hot TechAutodesk AutoCAD
🔥 Hot TechDassault Systemes SolidWorks
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Access
🔥 Hot TechC
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Basic
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Visual Studio
🔥 Hot TechMicrosoft Outlook
🔥 Hot TechExtensible markup language XML
🔥 Hot TechSAP software
🔥 Hot TechC#
🔥 Hot TechC++
🔥 Hot TechTechnology Stack
Technology Stack Overview
Key technologies used in this career
The MathWorks MATLAB
Autodesk AutoCAD
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
Microsoft Access
C
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Visual Studio
Microsoft Outlook
Extensible markup language XML
SAP software
C#
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
MOSTLY TEAM
🤝
Customer Interaction
FREQUENT
💡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 mostly team team environments?
- •Are you comfortable working with safety protocols and protective equipment?
What are the key tasks?
Tasks & Responsibilities
16
Core Tasks
8
Daily Tasks
20
Work Activities
0
Emerging Tasks
Filter:
Sort by:
Planning & Development (10)Management & Supervision (1)Analysis & Evaluation (3)Documentation & Record-Keeping (1)Operations & Execution (1)
1
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development100% perform100%
2
Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development97% perform98%
3
Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development94% perform96%
4
Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Management & Supervision91% perform94%
5
Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation88% perform92%
6
Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Analysis & Evaluation85% perform90%
7
Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Planning & Development82% perform88%
8
Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
🔴Daily
Importance:
Documentation & Record-Keeping79% perform86%
9
Design new or modify existing aerospace systems to reduce polluting emissions, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, or smoke emissions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development76% perform84%
10
Design or engineer filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions.
🟡Weekly
Importance:
Planning & Development73% perform82%
💡 Key Takeaways
- •Daily tasks focus primarily on planning & development activities
- •44% 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 Engineers
💡 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 Engineers professionals typically have a IRC Holland code and highly value working conditions
IInvestigative
RRealistic
CConventional
Important Personality Traits
Work styles that contribute to success as a Aerospace Engineers
Attention to Detail
CriticalAttention to Detail
Importance Level4.69
Analytical Thinking
CriticalAnalytical Thinking
Importance Level4.51
Dependability
Very ImportantDependability
Importance Level4.17
Initiative
Very ImportantInitiative
Importance Level4.12
Adaptability/Flexibility
Very ImportantAdaptability/Flexibility
Importance Level4.12
Stress Tolerance
Very ImportantStress Tolerance
Importance Level4.10
Complete Work Styles Profile
Attention to Detail
4.7
Analytical Thinking
4.5
Dependability
4.2
Initiative
4.1
Adaptability/Flexibility
4.1
Stress Tolerance
4.1
Achievement/Effort
4.1
Persistence
4.0
Innovation
4.0
Cooperation
3.9
💡 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
Bachelor's degree or higher
Typical duration: 4 years
Preparation Level
Job Zone 4
Considerable Preparation Needed
Experience Needed
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
📚 Education Requirement
Required Level:Bachelor's degree or higher
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Training:
Significant preparation with related work experience
💼 Experience Requirement
A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience needed
Common pathways to gain experience:
- • Bachelor's degree in related field
- • Several years of work experience
- • Professional certifications often required
4
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Bachelor's degree in related fieldSeveral years of work experienceProfessional certifications often required
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