CFChooseField
Engineering and Architecture

Aerospace Engineers

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.

Visual summary of pay, outlook, skills, interests, and preparation for Aerospace Engineers

Median pay

$134,830
Median annual pay for Aerospace Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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10-year growth

6.1%
Projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Annual openings

4,500
Projected annual openings, including growth and replacement demand.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Employment

71,600
Estimated U.S. employment for Aerospace Engineers in 2024.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024
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Jobs added or lost

+4,400
Projected numeric employment change from 2024 to 2034.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024–2034 projections
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Entry preparation

Bachelor's degree
Typical education needed to enter Aerospace Engineers.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · 2024 profile
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O*NET occupation profile

What the work involves

Strongest O*NET signals first.

Essential skills

  1. 1Critical Thinking
  2. 2Reading Comprehension
  3. 3Science
  4. 4Active Listening
  5. 5Mathematics
  6. 6Speaking

Knowledge areas

  1. 1Engineering and Technology
  2. 2Mathematics
  3. 3Design
  4. 4Physics
  5. 5Computers and Electronics
  6. 6English Language

Abilities

  1. 1Written Comprehension
  2. 2Deductive Reasoning
  3. 3Inductive Reasoning
  4. 4Information Ordering
  5. 5Problem Sensitivity
  6. 6Mathematical Reasoning

Career interests

  1. 1Investigative
  2. 2Realistic
  3. 3Conventional
  4. 4Enterprising
  5. 5Artistic
  6. 6Social

Work styles

  1. 1Attention to Detail
  2. 2Dependability
  3. 3Innovation
  4. 4Cautiousness
  5. 5Intellectual Curiosity
  6. 6Achievement Orientation

Work activities

  1. 1Working with Computers
  2. 2Processing Information
  3. 3Analyzing Data or Information
  4. 4Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  5. 5Getting Information
  6. 6Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

Work context

  1. 1E-Mail
  2. 2Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
  3. 3Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  4. 4Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
  5. 5Telephone Conversations
  6. 6Freedom to Make Decisions

Representative tasks

  • 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.

Software and tools

Microsoft PowerPoint · in demandMicrosoft Office software · in demandMicrosoft Excel · in demandPython · in demandDassault Systemes SolidWorks · in demandThe MathWorks MATLAB · in demandAutodesk AutoCAD · in demandC · in demandC++ · in demandDassault Systemes CATIA · in demandMathWorks Simulink · in demandPerl · hot technology

Sources

BLS provides national pay, employment, and projections. O*NET provides skills, interests, preparation, tasks, work context, and tools.