An aerospace engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and helps manufacture aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They are involved in improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, and speed, while also addressing the environmental impact of air travel.
The work of an aerospace engineer can be categorized into two types: aeronautical and astronautical engineering. Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft that fly within the Earth's atmosphere, like airplanes and helicopters. Astronautical engineers work on spacecraft that travel both inside and outside the Earth's atmosphere.
Typical duties of an aerospace engineer include:
To be successful, an aerospace engineer needs a combination of technical and soft skills.
The career outlook for aerospace engineers is positive. Employment is projected to grow 6% from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by the need to replace workers who are retiring or moving to other occupations, as well as the increasing demand for advanced technology in the aerospace industry.
The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,830 in May 2024. Salaries can range from around $25,000 for starting positions to over $80,000 for senior-level engineers.
Career development opportunities are plentiful in the aerospace industry. Engineers can advance to senior engineering positions, take on project management roles, or specialize in areas like aerodynamics or propulsion.