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.
Also called: Aerodynamicist, Aerodynamics Engineer, Aeronautical Design Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, Aeronautical Project Engineer, Aeronautical Research Engineer
Median pay
$134,960
per year, U.S.
Pay range (10th–90th)
$86,700 – $205,890
People employed
67,710
Holland code
IRC
Investigative · Realistic · Conventional
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.Do you want the same hours every week?
- 2.Are you comfortable sitting at a desk most of the day?
- 3.Are you OK working more than 40 hours a week?
- 4.Do you prefer a steady pace without constant deadlines?
- 5.Are you happy working mostly on your own, with little contact with others?
- 6.Do you prefer working indoors?
- 7.Are you comfortable following clear instructions?
Aerospace Engineers pay by state
Highest-paying states
Annual median pay by state (40 states and DC with published data). Source: BLS OEWS May 2025.
What aerospace engineers do
- 01Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- 02Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- 03Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- 04Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
- 05Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- 06Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Science
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Mechanical
- Mathematics
- Physics
Work styles that stand out
- Dependability
- Attention to Detail
- Integrity
- Cautiousness
- Intellectual Curiosity
Education and first steps
O*NET has no education survey data for this job.
How people get started
- Usually needs a bachelor's degree (O*NET Job Zone 4).
- Related work experience: over 1 year, up to and including 2 years.
- On-the-job training: anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month.
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 engineers
- Materials Scientists80% · −13%
- Water Resource Specialists74% · group pay
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists73% · group pay
- Biofuels/Biodiesel Technology and Product Development Managers71% · group pay
- Blockchain Engineers70% · group pay
Change into aerospace engineers
Jobs whose skills carry over best (skill match, their median pay).
- Materials Scientists82% · $117,790
- Remote Sensing Scientists and Technologists80% · $122,570
- Mechanical Drafters77% · $71,550
- Commercial and Industrial Designers75% · $83,910
- Industrial Engineering Technologists and Technicians73% · $66,120
Majors that lead here
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
- Astronautical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, Other
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
From the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk.