Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers design, construct, and test aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They work for aircraft manufacturers, defense contractors, government agencies like NASA, and aerospace companies. The role involves engineering duties across the full product lifecycle, from initial design through testing, and may include research on materials and equipment performance.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aerospace engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves analyzing design specifications, running simulations, and reviewing test data. Engineers might spend time in offices using computer-aided design software, then visit laboratories or manufacturing facilities to inspect prototypes or troubleshoot issues. Tasks include evaluating whether materials can withstand flight conditions, documenting test results, and collaborating with other engineers to refine designs based on findings.
Who this work suits
Holland code IRC. Investigative work is figuring things out: analysis, research, problem-solving. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You tend to enjoy solving complex technical problems and want to understand how things work—that investigative drive suits this career. You prefer hands-on work with physical systems and tangible results, and you're comfortable applying scientific principles to real-world engineering challenges.
What it takes
Preparation: Considerable preparation (most need a bachelor’s degree and several years of experience).
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- INTERDISCIPLINARY ELECTRICAL ENG/COMPUTER ENG/ELECTRONICS ENG/AEROSPACE ENG/COMPUTER SCIENTIST · National Air and Space Intelligence Center · Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio · $148275–$192764
- Aerospace Engineer · Federal Aviation Administration · Oklahoma City, Oklahoma · $111779–$173292
- AEROSPACE ENGINEER · Naval Air Systems Command · Patuxent River, Maryland · $143913–$197200
- Aerospace Engineer, AST, Research Pilot (Direct Hire) · Armstrong Flight Research Center · Edwards AFB, California · $161169–$197200
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota | $100,300 | $159,060 | $180,350 | 140 |
| Washington | $130,560 | $158,370 | $181,460 | 5,760 |
| California | $129,010 | $157,620 | $193,060 | 9,170 |
| District of Columbia | $105,870 | $157,600 | $195,190 | 290 |
| Maryland | $119,540 | $156,750 | $195,190 | 3,180 |
| Colorado | $128,440 | $156,190 | $180,310 | 4,070 |
| Massachusetts | $98,850 | $149,470 | $182,370 | 990 |
| Vermont | $110,470 | $144,400 | $164,590 | 100 |
| Virginia | $119,830 | $143,210 | $184,590 | 2,540 |
| Georgia | $106,510 | $140,460 | $162,060 | 2,230 |
| Ohio | $100,440 | $138,440 | $170,540 | 3,710 |
| Hawaii | $134,070 | $137,240 | $163,880 | 40 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Aerospace Engineering — NOCTI
- Certification in Aerospace Physiology — Aerospace Medical Association
- Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE) — American Society for Quality
- SpaceTEC Aerospace Manufacturing — SpaceTEC
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against aerospace engineers and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 17-2011.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.