Aerospace Engineering Technician Career Guide

What does an aerospace engineering technician do?

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians run and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. The median pay is $82,890 per year (BLS, May 2025), most people train for about 2-year degree, and employment is projected to grow +11.9% from 2025–35.

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

Median pay
$82,890
$39.85/hour · May 2025
Job growth
+11.9%
2025–35, much faster than average
Openings per year
1,100
Average, 2025–35
Typical entry education
Associate's degree
BLS classification
Time to train
2-year degree
Typical program length
U.S. jobs
11,600
Employment, 2025

What aerospace engineering technicians do

Aerospace technicians make tests happen. They build test setups, install sensors, run tests on engines, structures and avionics, record data, maintain equipment and help assemble prototypes.

An associate degree in engineering technology is typical. BLS projects faster than average growth.

Typical duties

Build test setups
Install sensors
Run tests
Record data
Maintain test equipment
Assemble prototypes
Write test reports

Work environment and schedule

Technicians work in labs, test cells, hangars and launch sites.

Schedule: Full time, sometimes shifts around tests and launches.

A day in the life

7:00 AMReview the test plan.
7:30 AMInstall strain gauges.
9:30 AMWire data acquisition.
11:00 AMRun a vibration test.

See a full day in the life of an aerospace engineering technician →

Aerospace Engineering Technician salary

Half of aerospace engineering technicians earned more than $82,890 and half earned less in May 2025. Pay ranged from about $59,050 for the lowest 10% to $125,160 for the top 10%.

$59,05010th$82,890Median$125,16090th

Full aerospace engineering technician pay scale and hourly rates →

How to become an aerospace engineering technician

Earn an associate degree
Learn instrumentation
Do internships
Get hired
Advance

An associate degree in engineering technology is typical.

Step-by-step guide to becoming an aerospace engineering technician →

Skills and tools

Technical skills

Test setup
Instrumentation
Data acquisition
Wiring
Mechanical assembly

People skills

Attention to detail
Teamwork
Problem-solving
Reliability

All aerospace engineering technician skills and tools →

Pros and cons

Pros

Faster-than-average growth
Two-year path
Exciting work
Good pay

Cons

Clearance often required
Test schedule pressure
Shift work
Noise

Certifications and licenses

NASA workmanship standards: Soldering and wiring.
IPC certifications: Electronics.
Security clearance: For defense.
FAA A&P: Helpful.

Career path

Technician: Entry.
Senior Technician: Lead tests.
Test Lead: Run programs.
Test Engineer: With more education.

Learn the job before day one

Our Aerospace Engineering Technician training (10 hours, $89.99) covers the role, 15+ key terms, step-by-step procedures such as install a strain gauge and run a test procedure step by step, safety and how to land your first job.

View Aerospace Engineering Technician training Is this career right for me?

Aerospace Engineer

Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.

$134,960
4-year engineering degree

Avionics Technician

Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.

$82,280
12–24 months

Electronics Technician

Build, test and troubleshoot electronic circuits and equipment.

$78,190
2 years

Aircraft Mechanic

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

$79,870
18–30 months

Compare: Aerospace Engineering Technician vs. Aerospace Engineer · Aerospace Engineering Technician vs. Avionics Technician · Aerospace Engineering Technician vs. Electronics Technician · Aerospace Engineering Technician vs. Aircraft Mechanic

Aerospace Engineering Technician FAQ

Do I need a degree?

An associate degree is typical.

Is the job growing?

Yes, BLS projects faster than average growth.

Is a clearance needed?

For many defense roles.

How much does an aerospace engineering technician make?

The median annual wage for aerospace engineering technicians was $82,890 ($39.85 per hour) in May 2025, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The lowest 10% earned less than $59,050 and the highest 10% earned more than $125,160.

How long does it take to become an aerospace engineering technician?

Most people need about 2-year degree of training. An associate degree in engineering technology is typical.

Do you need a degree to be an aerospace engineering technician?

No four-year degree is typically required. BLS lists “associate's degree” as the typical entry-level education.

More aerospace engineering technician questions →

Sources

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025, SOC 17-3021 (Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians).
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, BLS Employment Projections, Table 1.2 (2025–35).
O*NET OnLine summary for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians (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 Engineering Technician