What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do? Duties, Pay & Outlook

What does an aerospace engineer do?

Aerospace engineers design primarily aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles, and test prototypes to make sure they function according to design. The median pay is $134,960 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 4-year engineering degree, and employment is projected to grow +8.3% from 2025–35.

Pay data: BLS OEWS, May 2025 · Outlook: BLS 2025–35 · Checked October 15, 2026

Median pay
$134,960
$64.89/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+8.3%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
3,800
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
4-year engineering degree
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
68,700
Employment, 2025

What aerospace engineers do

Aerospace engineers make things fly. They design airframes, engines, control systems and spacecraft, run simulations and wind tunnel tests, analyze stresses and work with manufacturing to build and certify vehicles.

Aerospace engineers need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Pay is high, and many defense jobs require security clearance.

Typical duties

Design aircraft and spacecraft
Run simulations
Analyze stresses
Test prototypes
Work with manufacturing
Support certification
Write reports

Work environment and schedule

Aerospace engineers work in offices, labs, test sites and factories.

Schedule: Full time, with deadlines around tests and launches.

A day in the life

8:00 AMReview CFD results.
9:30 AMMeet the structures team.
11:00 AMRun a stress analysis.
1:00 PMObserve a wind tunnel test.

See a full day in the life of an aerospace engineer →

Aerospace Engineer salary

Half of aerospace engineers earned more than $134,960 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $86,700 for the lowest 10% to $205,890 for the top 10%.

$86,70010th$134,960Median$205,89090th

Full aerospace engineer pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an aerospace engineer

Earn an aerospace engineering degree
Do internships or co-ops
Join a team
Get a clearance if needed
Advance

A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field is required.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an aerospace engineer →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Aerodynamics
Structures
Propulsion
CFD and FEA
Controls

People skills

Problem-solving
Teamwork
Attention to detail
Communication

All aerospace engineer skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

High pay
Exciting technology
Space industry growth
Strong demand

Cons

Security clearance often required
Long programs
Strict regulations
Industry cycles

Certifications and licenses

PE license: Optional.
Security clearance: For defense work.
FAA DER: Designated engineering representative, later.
Master’s in aerospace: Common for advanced roles.

Career path

Engineer I: Entry.
Engineer II: Own designs.
Senior Engineer: Lead.
Chief Engineer: Lead programs.

Learn the job before day one

Our Aerospace Engineer training (12 hours, $109.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as run a basic CFD analysis and plan a prototype test, safety and how to land your first job.

View Aerospace Engineer training Is this career right for me?

Aerospace Engineering Technician

Build, test and maintain aircraft and spacecraft systems alongside engineers.

$82,890
2-year degree

Mechanical Engineer

Design machines, engines, tools and products that move and work.

$104,110
4 years

Aircraft Mechanic

Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.

$79,870
18–30 months

Engineering Manager

Lead teams of engineers who design products, systems and structures.

$171,270
5+ years of engineering experience

Compare: Aerospace Engineer vs. Aerospace Engineering Technician · Aerospace Engineer vs. Mechanical Engineer · Aerospace Engineer vs. Aircraft Mechanic · Aerospace Engineer vs. Engineering Manager

Aerospace Engineer FAQ

Do aerospace engineers need a clearance?

For many defense jobs, yes.

Is pay high?

Yes, BLS reports high median pay.

Is space growing?

Commercial space has added many jobs.

How much does an aerospace engineer make?

The median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,960 ($64.89 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $86,700 and the highest 10% earned more than $205,890.

How long does it take to become an aerospace engineer?

Most people need about 4-year engineering degree of training. A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field is required.

Do you need a degree to be an aerospace engineer?

Usually, yes. BLS lists a bachelor's degree as the typical entry-level education, although skills, certifications and experience can sometimes substitute.

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-2011 (Aerospace engineers).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Aerospace engineers (U.S. Department of Labor).
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook.

Reviewed by the Career Education Institute Curriculum Team. Pay figures are national estimates; local pay varies. See our editorial policy.

Aerospace Engineer