What Aerospace Engineers do
The U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET database describes the work of Aerospace Engineers this way: "Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques."
The core tasks O*NET records for this occupation include: "Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products"; "Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment"; "Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements"; "Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers"; "Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products".
Education, experience and training
According to the BLS Employment Projections, the typical education needed to enter this occupation is bachelor's degree.
Job outlook for Aerospace Engineers
The Bureau of Labor Statistics counted 68,700 jobs in this occupation in 2025 and projects 74,400 in 2035, an increase of 5,700 jobs (+8.3%). That is faster than the 3.5% projected for all occupations.
About 3,800 openings a year are projected on average, counting both new positions and positions vacated by workers who retire or switch occupations. Relative to today's employment that is 5.5% a year, against 10.3% for all occupations. BLS lists a national median annual wage of $134,960, compared with $50,980 for all occupations.
Where Aerospace Engineers earn the most
Across the 2 states with published data, the employment-weighted average of local median wages for this occupation ranges from $159,389 in California to $162,688 in Washington, a gap of $3,299 (1.02 times). 2 of those 2 states average above the BLS national median of $134,960 and 0 average at or below it.
California employs the most people in this occupation among the states covered, 8,710, which is 60.5% of the 14,400 counted across them. Washington follows with 5,690.
Highest-paying states
Washington ($162,688) and California ($159,389) lead the ranking, while California ($159,389) and Washington ($162,688) are at the bottom. The table below lists every state with a link to its county-level detail.
Occupations related to Aerospace Engineers
Other occupations in the same SOC minor group (17-2000) include Computer Hardware Engineers, Electronics Engineers, Except Computer, Electrical Engineers and Mechanical Engineers.
Frequently asked questions about Aerospace Engineers
What is the national median wage for Aerospace Engineers?
BLS lists a national median annual wage of $134,960. Across the states covered here the average local median ranges from $159,389 to $162,688.
Which state pays Aerospace Engineers the most?
Washington, with an employment-weighted average local median wage of $162,688. California is next at $159,389.
What is the job outlook for Aerospace Engineers?
BLS projects employment to grow by 8.3% between 2025 and 2035, compared with 3.5% for all occupations, with about 3,800 openings a year.
What education do Aerospace Engineers need?
The typical entry-level education is bachelor's degree, according to BLS.