Aerospace Engineering Jobs

Aerospace engineers design and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They create new technologies for space exploration, aviation, and defense systems. Most aerospace engineers have specific areas and products in which they specialize, such as navigation or aircraft. Others become experts in specialties such as propulsion, acoustics, aerodynamics, celestial mechanics, and guidance and control systems.

A bachelor's degree in engineering is the minimum requirement to work in an aerospace engineering job. Besides the typical engineering courses such as math, physics, and science, other required classes may include algebra, statistics, circuit design, and thermodynamics. Aerospace engineers, especially those who work for defense contractors, often need to be United States citizens and able to hold a security clearance. Because of the high demand for new and improved aircraft designs and technology, continuing education is required for aerospace engineers to stay current on trends.

There are more than 71,000 aerospace engineering jobs in the United States, with upwards of 7,000 more likely by 2018. Most jobs are in the aerospace manufacturing and architecture and engineering services fields. Kansas, Washington, and Connecticut have the highest concentrations of aerospace engineering jobs.

Annual salaries for aerospace engineers range from $59,500 to $137,730, with the average at $96,270. The top-paying industries are the federal executive branch and the professional, technical, and scientific consulting fields, with salaries exceeding $108,000. Maryland and the District of Columbia offer the highest wages, at more than $111,000 annually.

Aerospace engineering jobs will likely increase by 10% in the next decade, which is about average. Demand for more aerospace engineers will be spurred by new designs for aircraft. The number of aerospace engineering degrees is beginning to increase; however, new graduates will be needed to replace those who leave the field to retire or find work in another field.