Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Also called: Aerospace Engineering Technicians
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Also called: Aerographer, Aerospace Assembler, Aerospace Engineering Technologist, Aerospace Mechanic, Aerospace Operations Technologist, Aerospace Physiological Technician
Median pay
$82,890
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$59,050 – $125,160
People employed
11,280
Holland code
RCI
Realistic · Conventional · Investigative
Updated October 2026 · Data: O*NET 31.0 and BLS OEWS May 2025 · How we match careers
Is this career right for you?
These are the things that stand out in this job compared with other U.S. jobs (O*NET 31.0 work context). Answer honestly.
- 1.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 2.Do you work well under tight deadlines?
- 3.Are you OK with physical risk, such as hazardous equipment or conditions, with proper training?
The hard parts
- Tight deadlines are common
- Exposure to hazardous conditions
- Mistakes can have serious consequences
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians pay by state
Annual median pay by state (24 states with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians salary in every state →
What aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians do
- 01Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- 02Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- 03Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- 04Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- 05Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- 06Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
Skills that matter most
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Speaking
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Science
Knowledge
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
Education and first steps
Share of workers by required education, as reported to O*NET.
How people get started
- Usually needs vocational training or an associate degree (O*NET Job Zone 3).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: over 6 months, up to and including 1 year.
Most common answers from O*NET 31.0 Education, Training and Experience.
Interest fit (Holland code)
O*NET occupational interest scores, scale 1–7. Take the Free Career Test to compare with your own.
Career changes
Change from aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
- Avionics Technicians87% · −1%
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment84% · −11%
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians80% · −4%
- Aviation Inspectors78% · group pay
- Nuclear Technicians75% · +33%
Change into aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Aviation Inspectors88% · $92,100
- Avionics Technicians87% · $82,280
- Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment87% · $74,090
- Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians83% · $79,870
- Medical Equipment Repairers81% · $61,660
Majors that lead here
- Astronautical Engineering
- Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General
- Electrical, Electronic, and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
- Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician
- Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology
- Air and Space Operations Technology
- Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.