Aerospace engineers design and provide manufacturing oversight to the production of aircraft, spacecraft or missiles. These positions require a bachelor's or master's degree and may require state licensing. The job growth for these careers is as fast as the average, and their average salary is about $121,110.
Essential Information
Aerospace engineers help in all aspects of manufacturing airplanes, missiles and spacecraft. A bachelor's degree in engineering or a similar subject is required for most aerospace engineering positions, while a master's degree is required for managerial roles. Four years of work experience and a state license are necessary for this career.
| Required Education | Bachelor's or master's degree |
| Other Requirements | State licensure |
| Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)* | 3% for aerospace engineers |
| Average Salary (2020)* | $121,110 for aerospace engineers |
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Salary Information for Aerospace Engineers
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), aerospace engineers had a mean hourly wage of $58.23 as of May 2020(www.bls.gov). This contributes to an average yearly salary of $121,110. Aerospace engineers in the lowest ten percent made about $72,770 or less, while those in the top ten percent made upwards of $171,220 or more, as reported by the BLS.
Job Outlook
The BLS reported that this occupation would experience slower than average growth in comparison to other occupations. This amounted to a projected three percent increase over the 2019-2029 time period.
Career Information
Aerospace engineers are divided into two different major choices. The first specialization works with aircraft, and workers are referred to as aeronautical engineers. In the second group, aerospace engineers who work with spacecraft are called astronautical engineers. These workers oversee, assess and outline the manufacture of these devices along with developing new technology. Sometimes, workers specialize in specific vehicles like missiles, helicopters or commercial airplanes or with certain aspects of manufacturing, such as production methods or structural design.
State Licensure
Aerospace engineers working in the United States need licensure to provide public services. Licensed engineers may use the title professional engineer (PE). Graduating from an educational program accredited by the ABET (www.abet.org) is the first step to attaining this licensure. Additionally, four years of experience must be obtained along with a passing score on the state licensing examination.
The examination can be taken in two parts. The first part is taken after the completion of an educational program and results in the title of engineer intern (EI) or engineer in training (EIT). After obtaining the necessary work experience, candidates can take the next examination for full licensure. In some cases, continuing education requirements need to be completed on a regular basis to maintain licensure.
Aerospace engineering positions usually require a bachelor's degree; a master's degree is sometimes required and usually necessary for managerial positions. Licensing is required for those providing public services, which includes meeting education and work experience requirements as well as passing a two-part exam. Jobs for aerospace engineers are projected to increase from 2019-2029, and salaries in 2020 averaged about $121,110.