Aerospace Engineers
Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed
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.
Median pay: $134,960/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)
Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.
Job outlook: +6.1% projected growth, 2024–2034 — faster than average.
About 4,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.
• 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.
What's the median pay for Aerospace Engineers?
The median pay for Aerospace Engineers is $134,960 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What's the job outlook for Aerospace Engineers?
Employment for Aerospace Engineers is projected to change +6.1% from 2024 to 2034 - faster than average.
What education is typically required for Aerospace Engineers?
Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree.
How many job openings are there each year for Aerospace Engineers?
About 4,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade.