How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
Design, build, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and the systems that keep them flying. It typically requires a bachelor's degree, with a median salary of $134,960 per year and faster than average projected job growth.
Median pay
$134,960/yr
Job growth
5%
Openings / yr
4,500
Majors that lead here
Key skills
- Aerodynamics
- CAD Modeling
- Systems Engineering
- Mathematics
- Critical Thinking
Helpful certifications
- FE/PE (Professional Engineer, for licensure track)
Is this career a fit?
Remote-friendly
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Work-life balance
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Stress level
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Satisfaction
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Related careers
- Computer Hardware Engineer$161,740 median
- Petroleum Engineer$144,910 median
- Nuclear Engineer$133,970 median
- Chemical Engineer$125,040 median
- Electrical Engineer$120,630 median
- Materials Engineer$112,860 median
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Aerospace Engineer make?
The median pay for an Aerospace Engineer is $134,960 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2025). Actual pay varies with experience, location, and employer.
What degree do you need to become an Aerospace Engineer?
The usual entry point is a bachelor's degree. Common majors are Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Physics.
Is Aerospace Engineer a growing field?
The BLS projects faster than average demand for this role, about 5% over the decade, with roughly 4,500 U.S. openings a year.
What skills does an Aerospace Engineer use most?
Common skills for this role are Aerodynamics, CAD Modeling, Systems Engineering, Mathematics, and Critical Thinking.
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Take the major quizSalary and job-growth figures: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET OnLine (median annual wages May 2025; employment projections 2024-2034). National figures; actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.