Top Skills for This Career
BLS identifies these as the three highest-rated skills for this detailed occupation. TrustInEd adds the plain-language explanations so visitors understand what each skill means.
Examining information carefully, recognizing patterns, and using evidence to reach sound conclusions.
Using computers, software, digital systems, and technology to complete work and solve problems.
Understanding written information and communicating ideas clearly in writing.
How Do You Prepare for This Career?
BLS describes the typical preparation for this occupation. Requirements can vary by employer, state, licensing rules and individual circumstances.
How to Become One
Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance. PayThe median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Your Next Step
Compare colleges and education options that can support the typical entry-level education for this career.
Pay
The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,960 in May 2025. Job Outlook Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Job Outlook
Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations. About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. State & Area Data Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers. Similar Occupations Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations. More Information, Including Links to O*NET Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
What They Do
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
Work Environment
Aerospace engineers typically work in an office setting, often using a computer. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance.
Pay
The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
Work Environment
Aerospace engineers typically work in an office setting, often using a computer. Most work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week.
How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
Aerospace engineers must have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field to enter the occupation. Aerospace engineers who work on projects that are related to national defense may need a security clearance.
Pay
The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,960 in May 2025.
Job Outlook
Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2025 to 2035, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 3,800 openings for aerospace engineers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
State & Area Data
Explore resources for employment and wages by state and area for aerospace engineers.
Similar Occupations
Compare the job duties, education, job growth, and pay of aerospace engineers with similar occupations.
More Information, Including Links to O*NET
Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
More Information
Learn more about aerospace engineers by visiting additional resources, including O*NET, a source on key characteristics of workers and occupations.
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Start with ED →Career data and occupational profile text are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook and Employment Projections program. Education requirements are typical entry-level requirements and may vary by employer, state, occupation or individual circumstance. View the official BLS profile.