Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace engineering designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles and drones, and the systems that keep them flying. It splits into aeronautical (within the atmosphere) and astronautical (space) engineering.
Where Aerospace Engineering can lead
A field of study is not one job. These are the occupations BLS tracks for this pathway, with median annual pay (May 2025) and projected change in employment (2025–35); total U.S. employment is projected to grow 3.5%.
| Occupation | Median pay | Outlook | Openings / year | Typical entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace engineers | $134,960 | +8% Much faster than average |
3,800 | Bachelor's degree |
| Mechanical engineers | $104,110 | +11% Much faster than average |
17,800 | Bachelor's degree |
Median: half of workers earned more, half earned less. Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, checked 2026-10-07.
What aerospace engineers earn
Pay varies widely with experience, employer and location. BLS figures for May 2025.
Often new graduates
Half earned more, half less
Often senior or specialized roles
Median pay by industry
| Industry | Share of jobs | Median pay |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 38% | $137,030 |
| Engineering services | 16% | $132,440 |
| Federal government | 15% | $142,630 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 8% | $149,260 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 8% | $126,740 |
Source: BLS, aerospace engineers (pay and work environment tabs).
Where the jobs are
The five states with the most jobs for aerospace engineers in May 2025, with local median and average (mean) pay. Pay is usually higher where living costs are higher.
| State | Jobs | Median pay | Mean pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 9,170 | $157,620 | $159,960 |
| Texas | 6,750 | $130,270 | $137,010 |
| Alabama | 5,820 | $127,540 | $131,910 |
| Washington | 5,760 | $158,370 | $156,000 |
| Colorado | 4,070 | $156,190 | $157,060 |
BLS publishes estimates for 43 of the 51 areas (50 states and DC) for this occupation; the others are withheld for confidentiality or reliability. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025.
What the work is really like
From O*NET, which surveys people working in the job. Most work full time and some work more than 40 hours a week, including overtime to monitor progress and troubleshoot problems.
Common tasks
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
What workers report
| Share of workers who… | Share |
|---|---|
| Work more than 40 hours a week | |
| Use email every day | |
| Sit continually or almost continually | |
| Have some freedom to make decisions |
Technology used on the job
Interests that fit this work (Holland codes): Investigative, Realistic, Conventional. Source: O*NET OnLine, 17-2011.00, checked 2026-10-07.
How to get there, step by step
A typical route. Many people reach the same job in different ways.
- Step 1
Math and science
Chemistry, physics and calculus.
- Step 2
Bachelor's degree
Aerospace engineering, ideally ABET-accredited.
- Step 3
Clearance and citizenship
Defense projects may need a security clearance; some require U.S. citizenship.
- Step 4
Design, test or systems
Aircraft, space or defense manufacturers, federal agencies.
- Goal
Lead programs
Senior or lead engineer; graduate study for research roles.
High school preparation
From BLS: BLS suggests high school classes in chemistry, physics and math.
- Chemistry, physics and math (BLS's own advice)
- AP Calculus and AP Physics where offered
- Rocketry, drone or robotics clubs
Course suggestions are Margdarshan's guidance; what you can take depends on your school. See the high school guide for GPA, AP and dual enrollment.
Degrees and what you study
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, ideally ABET-accredited. Defense-related work may require a security clearance, and some clearances require U.S. citizenship.
Education workers say their job requires (O*NET)
| Education level | Share of workers |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's degree | |
| Associate's degree | |
| Master's degree |
Costs and aid: see College & Money. Important qualities BLS lists for aerospace engineers: analytical skills, business skills, communication skills, interpersonal skills, math skills, problem-solving skills.
Professional Engineer (PE) license
Granted by state engineering licensing boards. Each state board sets its own application rules, fees and approval steps; many states require continuing education to renew.
Not always required: Many engineering jobs do not require a PE. BLS: a PE is required to offer services directly to the public (e.g. civil engineers signing off public projects); entry-level civil engineers do not need one. Computer hardware and most software/industry roles rarely require a PE.
Full step-by-step licensing route →Why demand is changing
BLS cites redesigning aircraft for less noise and better fuel efficiency, cheaper satellite launches and small satellites making space more accessible, and continued interest in drones.
Much faster than average
Aerospace engineers
Average over the decade, including replacements
Studying from outside the U.S.? Education and immigration are separate pathways — see the international student guide.
Advice for getting in
Margdarshan's guidance, based on the data above.
- If you are not a U.S. citizen, check clearance and export-control limits before choosing defense-focused employers.
- Expect long weeks at times: 73% of aerospace engineers told O*NET they work more than 40 hours.
- Jobs cluster around aerospace hubs: California, Texas, Alabama, Washington and Colorado led in May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
Related career pathways
Where these facts come from
Official sources only, checked on the dates shown.
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Aerospace engineers checked 2026-10-07
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook: Mechanical engineers checked 2026-10-07
- O*NET OnLine: 17-2011.00 · U.S. Department of Labor checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025 — state estimates via the BLS Public Data API checked 2026-10-07
- FE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- PE exam · NCEES checked 2026-10-07
- What Programs Does ABET Accredit? · ABET checked 2026-10-07
- Occupational Outlook Handbook · U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics checked 2026-10-07