Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety and precision of key parts of these vehicles and systems.
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically do the following:
New aircraft designs undergo years of testing before they are put into service. As part of the job, technologists and technicians often calibrate test equipment, such as wind tunnels, and determine the causes of equipment malfunctions. They also may program and run computer simulations that test the new designs.
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians held about 11,300 jobs in 2021. The largest employers of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 39% |
| Engineering services | 22 |
| Scientific research and development services | 9 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 4 |
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians who work in manufacturing or industrial plants are frequently involved in assembly.
Most aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work full time. Depending on the employer or project, they may work in shifts or be required to work overtime.
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related field. Some employers consider candidates who have a high school diploma or have completed a certificate program. Some aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians must have security clearances to work on projects related to national defense. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain types and levels of clearance.
High school students interested in becoming an aerospace engineering and operations technologist or technician should take classes in math, science, and, if available, drafting and information technology.
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related field. Some employers consider candidates who have a high school diploma or have completed a certificate program. Associate’s degree and certificate programs are available at community colleges or vocational–technical schools.
Communication skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from aerospace engineers. They also need to clearly convey problems to their supervisors.
Detail oriented. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians take precise measurements needed by aerospace engineers. In addition, they must keep accurate records of these measurements.
Interpersonal skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians must be able to work well with others. They interact with people from other divisions, businesses, and governments.
Math skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians use mathematics for measurement, analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks.
Mechanical skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians assist aerospace engineers by building what the engineers design. They need technical skills to guide processes from design to production.
Problem-solving skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians help aerospace engineers troubleshoot design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, formulate questions, and then find the answers.
Although not required for the job, SpaceTEC, the National Science Foundation’s Center for Aerospace Technical Education, offers the Certified Aerospace Technician Core Certification. Recertification is required every 3 years.
Median annual wages, May 2021
The median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians was $73,580 in May 2021. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $47,040, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $103,260.
In May 2021, the median annual wages for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | $77,800 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 74,410 |
| Engineering services | 62,730 |
| Scientific research and development services | 62,410 |
Most aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work full time. Depending on the employer or project, they may work in shifts or be required to work overtime.
Percent change in employment, projected 2021-31
Employment of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is projected to grow 6 percent from 2021 to 2031, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
About 1,200 openings for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Technological advances have reduced the cost of launching satellites. Demand for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is expected to increase as space becomes more accessible, especially with innovations that make small satellites commercially viable. New developments in types of aircrafts, such as electric hybrids, also are expected to drive an increase in employment. In addition, continued interest in drones is expected to support employment growth for these workers.
| Occupational Title | SOC Code | Employment, 2021 | Projected Employment, 2031 | Change, 2021-31 | Employment by Industry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Percent | Numeric | ||||||
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program |
|||||||
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians |
17-3021 | 11,300 | 11,900 | 6 | 700 | Get data | |
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Aerospace engineering and operations technicians
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians