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
How to Become an Aerospace Engineer Aerospace engineers use the principles of calculus, trigonometry, and other advanced topics in mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work. Aerospace engineers typically need 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. Some types and levels of clearance require U.S. citizenship.
Education
Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in engineering or a related field. High school students interested in studying aerospace engineering should take classes in chemistry, physics, and math. Bachelor’s degree programs in engineering usually include classroom, laboratory, and field courses in subjects such as stability and control, structures, and mechanics. College students may have an opportunity to participate in cooperative education programs or internships. Through partnership with local businesses, these programs allow students to gain practical experience while they complete their education. Some colleges and universities offer a 5-year program that leads to both a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree. A graduate degree may allow an engineer to work as an instructor at a university or to do research and development. Employers may prefer to hire graduates of aerospace engineering programs accredited by a professional association. A degree from an accredited program is usually required to become licensed.
Licenses, Certifications & Registrations
Licensure is not required for entry-level aerospace engineer positions. Experienced engineers may obtain a Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows them to oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires a bachelor’s or higher degree from an accredited engineering program, a passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, several years of relevant work experience, and a passing score on the PE exam. Each state issues its own license. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses. Information on state licensing board requirements is available from CareerOneStop. Advancement Aerospace engineers who gain experience or who have additional education or credentials may advance into technical or supervisory positions. Those with leadership skills also may become engineering managers or project management specialists.
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Pay
the median annual wage for all workers was $50,980.
Job Outlook
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. Employment Aircraft are being redesigned for less noise pollution and better fuel efficiency, which should help drive demand for aerospace engineers. Technological advancements have reduced the cost of launching satellites. Demand for aerospace engineers is expected to increase as space becomes more accessible, especially with developments in small satellites that have greater commercial viability. In addition, continued interest in drones for certain uses, such as forest fire detection, may help to drive employment growth for these engineers. Aerospace Engineers Percent change in employment, projected 2025–35 Engineers 8% Aerospace engineers 8% Total, all occupations 3% Note: All Occupations includes all occupations in the U.S. Economy.
What They Do
What Aerospace Engineers Do
Aerospace engineers design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. In addition, they create and test prototypes to make sure that they function according to design.
Duties
Aerospace engineers typically do the following:
- Coordinate and direct the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
- Assess project proposals to determine whether they are technically and financially feasible
- Determine whether proposed projects will be safe and meet defined goals
- Evaluate designs to ensure that products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations
- Develop criteria for design, quality, completion, and sustainment after delivery
- Ensure that projects meet required standards
- Inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions
Aerospace engineers develop technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and spacecraft. They may focus on areas such as aerodynamic fluid flow; structural design; guidance, navigation, and control; instrumentation and communication; robotics; or propulsion and combustion.
Aerospace engineers may design specific aerospace products, such as commercial and military airplanes and helicopters; remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft; spacecraft, including launch vehicles and satellites; and military missiles and rockets.
The following are the two common types of aerospace engineers:
Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Astronautical engineers work with the science and technology of spacecraft and how they perform inside and outside the Earth’s atmosphere. This includes work on small satellites such as cubesats, and traditional large satellites.
Work Environment
Work Environment
Aerospace engineers held about 68,700 jobs in 2025. The largest employers of aerospace engineers were as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 38% |
| Engineering services | 16 |
| Federal government, excluding postal service | 15 |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 8 |
| Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences | 8 |
Aerospace engineers typically work in an office setting, often using a computer. They also may travel to meet with clients.
Work Schedules
Most aerospace engineers work full time, and some work more than 40 hours per week. Engineers may need to work extra hours to monitor progress and troubleshoot when problems arise.
Important Qualities
The following are examples of qualities that are important for these workers to perform their duties. For more information, visit the Employment Projections (EP) skills data page. Analytical skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to evaluate project design elements and propose improvements, if necessary. Business skills. Meeting federal standards in aerospace engineering requires business knowledge, including commercial law. Project management or systems engineering skills also may be useful. Communication skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to explain, both orally and in writing, the details of their designs. They may need to convey information to a variety of audiences, including nontechnical ones. Interpersonal skills. Aerospace engineers often work on teams and must be able to interact with other types of engineers and with nontechnical team members. Math skills. Aerospace engineers use calculus, trigonometry, and other math in their analysis, design, and troubleshooting work. Problem-solving skills. Aerospace engineers upgrade designs and troubleshoot problems to improve aircraft, such as for increased fuel efficiency or safety.
More Information
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.
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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.