How to Become an Aerospace Engineer

Overview & Salaries

Recommended Degree:
The right degree for you depends on the industry and company you apply for. Those looking for an entry positions may want to get a degree in aerospace technology or engineering. If you are looking to get into a competitive or advance position, then a masters degree in aerospace engineering or aeronautics along with work experience and earning specific engineering licenses will be very useful. Learn more by clicking our “Education Required” tab up top.

Start your career path today by signing up for free information from one of our accredited colleges below that offer programs to help get you started as a aerospace engineer.

How Much Does an Aerospace Engineer Make? 
$103,720 (median salary, to view salaries in your state click on the “Best Places to Work” tab up top)

Expected growth from 2012-2020:
+83,000 additional people

Specialization Options:
Aeronautics, operations technology, and management.

(all information above provided by the 2012 BLS)

Discover the Best Places to Become an Aerospace Engineer

Median annual wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of aerospace engineers are:

  • Federal government $111,370
  • Scientific research and development services $105,470
  • Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing 101,760
  • Architectural, engineering, and related services $95,220
  • Aerospace product and parts manufacturing $ 88,340

Employment & Salary Information by State for Aerospace Engineers & Technologists

Below is an interactive map that illustrates the employment and salary data for Aerospace Engineers by US state.

Employment and Information Data for Aerospace Engineering

Why Become an Aerospace Engineer?

The aerospace industry is flying higher than ever with new companies taking aim for both the friendly skies and the stars. And salaries are reflected in this renewed vigor to develop private industry capable of launching man and machine into space. In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineer careers are moving more and more into the private sector as government hiring is expected to grow only 5% from now until 2020.

Recommended Courses to Help You Become an Aerospace Engineer

  • Introduction to Aerospace Engineering
  • Introduction to Solid Mechanics and Aerospace Structures
  • Introduction to Gas Dynamics
  • Aerospace Engineering
  • Aircraft and Spacecraft Structures
  • Aircraft and Spacecraft Propulsion
  • Flight Mechanics
  • Aircraft Dynamics and Control
  • Engineering Aerodynamics
  • Aircraft Design
  • Computer Aided Design

Degree Options for Aerospace Engineering Careers

Bachelor’s Degree

The undergraduate curriculum in aerospace is designed to convey a clear understanding of the fundamental aspects of the fields most pertinent to aerospace development – aerodynamic fluid flow; structural design; guidance, navigation, and control – and understanding business.

PhD.
Often students have the opportunity to complete advanced study and research leading to the master of science degree, and later the doctor of philosophy degree. These graduates go on to pursue careers as engineers, scientists, inventors, astronauts, administrators, and leaders in the field of aerospace engineering.