Aerospace Engineers

Overview

Introduction

Aerospace engineering encompasses the fields of aeronautical (aircraft) and astronautical (spacecraft) engineering. Aerospace engineers work in teams to design, build, and test machines that fly within the Earths atmosphere and beyond. Although aerospace science is a very specialized discipline, it is also considered one of the most diverse. This engineering field draws from such subjects as physics, mathematics, earth science, aerodynamics, and biology. Some aerospace engineers specialize in designing one complete machine, perhaps ...

Quick Facts


Median Salary

$130,720

Employment Prospects

Fair

Minimum Education Level

Bachelors Degree


Experience

Internships


Skills

Math|Mechanical/Manual Dexterity|Scientific


Personality Traits

Problem-Solving|Scientific|Technical

Earnings

Aerospace engineers with bachelor’s degrees earned average starting salaries of $76,736 in 2024, according to a 2024 salary survey conducted by the National Association of Colleges and Employers.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the median salary for all aerospace engineers was $130,720 in May 2023. The lowest-paid 10 percent earned less than $81,620, and the highest-paid 10 pe...

Work Environment

Aerospace engineers work in various settings depending on their job description. Those involved in research and design usually work in a traditional office setting. They spend considerable time at computers and drawing boards. Engineers involved in testing components and structures often work outside at test sites or laboratories where controlled testing conditions can be created.

Engine...

Outlook

The U.S. Department of Labor predicts that employment for aerospace engineers will increase by about 6 percent through 2032, faster than the average for all occupations. New technologies and designs for commercial and military aircraft and spacecraft will sustain demand for research and development. Some new jobs will be needed to work on emerging technologies, including small satellites (CubeS...