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Aerospace engineer: the path

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. Description from O*NET

Also called: Aeronautical Engineer, Aerospace Stress Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Design Engineer, Flight Controls Engineer

Typical pay$134,960Median yearly pay, BLS 2025
Job outlook+8.3% jobsProjected change, 2025–35. All jobs: +3.5%.
Time after high schoolAbout 4 yearsTypical full-time study and training
  1. Step 1Bachelor’s in aerospace engineering4 years
  2. Step 2Internship or co-op
  3. Step 3Entry-level jobSome defense jobs require US citizenship for a security clearance

Typical education to start: Bachelor's degree · More on the BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook

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Colleges for this path

Related majors: Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering · Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering · Mechanical Engineering

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444 colleges match

College Scorecard, 2024 data. Earnings are the median for graduates of the related majors, 4 years after graduating. All figures are estimates.

Best value = earnings ÷ (net price × years of study). Net prices under $1,000 count as $1,000.

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