Aerospace engineering is deeply rooted in theoretical physics, fluid dynamics, aerodynamics, the equations of motion, and flight dynamics. An aerospace engineering major combines knowledge of these different fields and applies it to the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related technologies.
This article will introduce you to the different education paths you can take to obtain an aerospace engineering degree. We will also discuss the most notable jobs for aerospace engineering majors.
What Is an Aerospace Engineering Major?
An aerospace engineering degree program is geared toward the development of aircraft and spacecraft. A degree in aerospace engineering can be centered on aeronautical engineering, where the emphasis will be placed on the design and development of aircraft that fly within our atmosphere. It can also focus on astronautical engineering. In this case, the emphasis will be placed on the design and development of spacecraft for space travel.
How to Become an Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace Engineering Education Options
You will need to complete extensive training to major in aerospace engineering. The more traditional education model, such as enrolling at a college of engineering for undergraduate and graduate studies, is the best and most direct pathway for an aerospace engineer.
There are tech-related courses and bootcamps that you can complete independently to bolster an already existing skillset in this field. However, coding bootcamps alone will not be enough to secure employment in the aerospace engineering industry.
Aerospace Engineering Bootcamp
Your typical aerospace engineer is expected to be competent with programming languages like Java and C#. The bootcamps that will be relevant to somebody working at Spacex or with aerospace systems and spacecraft systems will be those geared toward mastering these programming languages.
Best Aerospace Engineering Bootcamps
- Flatiron School – Full Stack Development
- Thinkful – Full Stack Development
- Nucamp – Full Stack Development
- Le Wagon – Full Stack Development
- General Assembly – Engineering Immersion
Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree
An associate degree should take you two years to complete if you study full-time. Contrary to what some may think, there is a wide range of associate degrees available to somebody wanting to pursue a career in the field of engineering.
You could complete an Associate Degree in Applied Science, Engineering, or related fields to get you started on this career path. In all of these degree programs, you will learn the basic principles of electrical engineering.
Best Associate Degree Programs in Aerospace Engineering
- Vaughn College – Associate of Applied Science, Aeronautical Engineering Technology
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Associate in Science, Degree in Aeronautics
- South Seattle College – Mechanical, Industrial, and Aerospace Engineering
- RMIT University – Associate Degree in Engineering Technology
- Montgomery College – Engineering Science Associate Degree
Aerospace Engineering Bachelor’s Degree
A four-year bachelor’s degree program is the most conventional and most comprehensive option for somebody seeking to enroll in an aerospace engineering program. This type of degree will expose you to various engineering principles, regardless of the aerospace engineering specialization you choose. Most engineering companies, like Lockheed Martin, look for potential candidates with at least a bachelor’s as this type of degree proves that you have master key engineering principles.
Best Bachelor’s Degree Programs in Aerospace Engineering
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University – Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- University of Texas – Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Florida Tech – Bachelor of Science, Aerospace Engineering
- University of Illinois – Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- Emirates Aviation University – Applied Bachelor in Aerospace Engineering
Aerospace Engineering Master’s Degree
Graduate programs in aerospace engineering should take you between one and two years to complete, depending on whether you are studying full-time or part-time. Like any other graduate program at a university, a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering provides a suitable education platform for you to specialize. The areas of specialization include flight mechanics, space flight, testing of aircraft, engineering management, efficient systems, and electrical systems.
Best Master’s Degree Programs in Aerospace Engineering
- Auburn University – Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering
- George Washington University – Master of Science in Mechanical and Space Engineering
- Purdue University – Master of Science in Aviation and Aerospace Management
- Rutgers School of Engineering – Master of Science in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
- University of New Mexico – Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering and Space Systems Engineering
Aerospace Engineering Career Overview: Is an Aerospace Engineer Career Worth It?
Aerospace Engineering Job Outlook
The job outlook for aerospace engineers, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), currently sits at 8 percent. This means that this field is growing at the same rate as the average occupation. When looking at these statistics, it is important to understand that there are different types of engineering jobs available, and their growth rate will vary.
Aerospace Engineering Salaries
The median salary for an aerospace engineer is about $85,000, according to Payscale. Those at the higher end of the industry earn an annual salary of $130,000. If you are working at the lower end, you could earn as little as $63,000, which is still higher than the average in other industries.
Best Jobs for Aerospace Engineering Majors: What Can You Do With an Aerospace Engineer Degree?
An aerospace engineering degree will provide the base you need to thrive in multiple STEM fields. This includes science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Below we take a look at the best jobs that each degree level will give you access to. We include tech-related jobs that you could access through a bootcamp education.
Best Aerospace Engineer Jobs for Coding Bootcamp Grads
| Job Title | Recommended Bootcamp | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Network Architect | Cisco Training Bootcamp | $154,000 |
| Computer and Information Research Scientist | Simplilearn | $122,000 |
| Software Developer | Udemy – The Modern JavaScript Bootcamp Course | $106,000 |
| Computer Programmer | Udemy – The Full Stack Developer Bootcamp | $100,000 |
| Computer Systems Analyst | Udemy – The Complete SQL Bootcamp 2021: Go from Zero to Hero | $95,000 |
Computer Network Architect
- Average Salary: $121,000
- Job Outlook: 5%
Computer network architects must have expertise in network architecture, Cisco networking, switching and routing, network design, and IT security infrastructure. To increase your earning potential in this line of work, you should bolster your knowledge of SDN, big data analytics, network design, cyber security, VoIP, and firewall installation.
Computer and Information Research Scientist
- Average Salary: $82,000
- Job Outlook: 22%
The skills most associated with research scientists include research analysis, biotechnology, data analysis, and product development. To increase your earning potential in this line of work, it is recommended you bolster your knowledge of Java, artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, algorithm development, deep learning, and natural language processing (NLP).
Software Developer
- Average Salary: $72,000
- Job Outlook: 22%
Successful software developers these days need to master JavaScript, C#, .NET, SQL, and Java. To increase your earning potential, you can also sharpen your knowledge of FileMaker Pro, Oracle Application Express, Advanced Business Application Programming (ABAP), and financial modeling.
Computer Programmer
- Average Salary: $64,000
- Job Outlook: -10%
To become a computer programmer, you need to master a variety of popular programming languages. That includes SQL, Java, JavaScript, C#, C++, and COBOL. To thrive in this field you will also need to be competent with iOS development, machine learning, Informatica, SAP, and data warehousing.
Computer Systems Analyst
- Average Salary: $67,000
- Job Outlook: 7%
Computer systems analysts are expected to be competent with technical analysis, system administration, SQL, business analysis, and project management. To become a more valuable job candidate in this line of work, you should expand your knowledge of customer relationship management (CRM) software, the Oracle eBusiness Suite, virtualization, and data warehousing.
Best Jobs for Aerospace Engineering Associate Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist | Vaughn College | $110,000 |
| Mechanical Engineer | South Seattle College | $100,000 |
| Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | $83,000 |
| Electronics Installer and Repairer | Montgomery College | $83,000 |
| Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician | RMIT University | $80,000 |
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist
- Average Salary: $65,000
- Job Outlook: 9%
The skills most associated with this job are systems troubleshooting, engineering design, and acceptance testing. To become a more valuable employee, you can bolster your skills in reading and interpreting blueprints. With a job like this, you can go to work for the government or explore careers at American Airlines or other private companies.
Mechanical Engineer
- Average Salary: $72,000
- Job Outlook: 7%
To perform the tasks that are associated with this job, you’ll need to have substantial knowledge of engineering design, computer-aided design (CAD), solid works, and project management. Employers will also examine your competence with software testing, machine learning, Fortran, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) and electric vehicles (EVs), heavy equipment repair, and Design for Six Sigma (DFSS).
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Job Outlook: 2%
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians need to be competent with electronic troubleshooting, system repair and troubleshooting, electronic equipment installation, and system testing.
Factors that could influence your earning potential in this line of work include knowledge of LabVIEW, computer service, electronic security, engineering design, programmable logic controllers, CAD, audiovisual equipment, and equipment maintenance.
Electronics Installer and Repairer
- Average Salary: $55,000
- Job Outlook: 2%
Installers and repairers are generally responsible for repairing, conducting, and testing a wide range of electrical systems and products. The onus is really on electronics installers to try and establish why an electrical system might be malfunctioning.
Aircraft and Avionics Equipment Mechanic and Technician
- Average Salary: $51,000
- Job Outlook: 11%
Avionics technicians are responsible for the assembly, installation, modification, troubleshooting, and repair of avionics components and the electrical systems that are directly linked to them. The core set of skills associated with this work are avionics, system troubleshooting, maintenance, electronic troubleshooting, and electric equipment installation.
Best Jobs for Aerospace Engineer Bachelor’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Architectural and Engineering Manager | University of Texas | $150,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University | $130,000 |
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Florida Tech | $124,000 |
| Materials Engineer | Emirates Aviation University | $110,000 |
| Industrial Engineer | University of Illinois | $93,000 |
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Architectural and Engineering Manager
- Average Salary: $119,000
- Job Outlook: 4%
An engineering manager in this role should be competent with project management, leadership, product development, people management, and engineering design. As an extension of that, they are also expected to be efficient in strategic planning and software development.
Aerospace Engineer
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Job Outlook: 8%
The basic skills requirements for an aerospace engineer include knowledge of engineering design, systems engineering, technical analysis, and project management. In addition, an aerospace engineer is expected to have solid skills in Matlab, system integration, composite materials, C#, Java, business development, and requirements analysis.
Computer Hardware Engineer
- Average Salary: $85,000
- Job Outlook: 2%
A computer hardware engineer deals with everything hardware and systems. That includes product development for things like computer chips, circuit boards, modems, printers, and similar products.
The skills that are most associated with this line of work are engineering design, computer hardware repair, VHDL, board design, debugging, and C++. To be more effective at your job, you should also bolster your knowledge of microprocessors, Python, Verilog, digital design, and FPGA.
Materials Engineer
- Average Salary: $78,000
- Job Outlook: 8%
A materials engineer is tasked with investigating product failures and materials issues, while also testing for and remedying manufacturing issues. These experts must have expertise in materials science, product development, engineering design, manufacturing process engineering, and composite materials. Knowledge of test planning, auditing, failure modes and effects analysis (FMEA), welding, technical analysis, and research analysis is also desirable.
Industrial Engineer
- Average Salary: $70,000
- Job Outlook: 14%
An industrial engineer is expected to be competent with things like process improvement, data analysis, lean manufacturing, and project management. Additional skills that are associated with this line of work are Visual Basic for Applications (VBA), PLC automation, material requirements planning (MRP), simulation, and Six Sigma Black Belt.
Best Jobs for AeroSpace Engineer Master’s Degree Majors
| Job Title | Recommended School | Top 10% Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Solutions Architect | Purdue University | $161,000 |
| Lead Systems Engineer | George Washington University | $149,000 |
| Aeronautical Engineer | Auburn University | $128,000 |
| Propulsion Engineer | Rutgers School of Engineering | $126,000 |
| Operations Engineer | University of New Mexico | $106,000 |
Solutions Architect
- Average Salary: $119,000
- Job Outlook: 5%***
A solutions architect should be knowledgeable on subjects like enterprise solutions, cloud computing, IT consulting, software architecture, and systems architecture. To stand out from other potential candidates in this field, make sure you have solid knowledge of the software development life cycle (SDLC), ESB, Informatica, Apache Kafka, Apache Spark, and database administration.
Lead Systems Engineer
- Average Salary: $110,000
- Job Outlook: 7%****
A lead systems engineer is expected to be highly competent with systems engineering, engineering design, system integration, requirements analysis, and project management. In addition, you should have substantial knowledge of risk management and risk control, DevOps, CRM, software development, network architecture, system integration, and system engineering.
Aeronautical Engineer
- Average Salary: $80,000
- Job Outlook: 8%*
The skills most associated with an aeronautical engineer are CATIA, Matlab, Aeros, and systems engineering. Aeronautical engineers are heavily involved with government agencies and defense contractors.
The bulk of the work done in this environment requires a security clearance. The tasks themselves center on the research, design, development, and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. Consider a career as an aeronautical engineer if you are interested in national defense and would like to work on defense systems.
Propulsion Engineer
- Average Salary: $88,000
- Job Outlook: 8%*
A propulsion engineer is somebody tasked with making sure that rocket motors, jet engines, and compressors are all functioning reliably. Beyond reliability, these experts are also expected to enhance the performance of propulsion systems.
Operations Engineer
- Average Salary: $76,000
- Job Outlook: 14%**
An operations engineer is somebody responsible for the design and support of technical operations. This includes the physical layout of the equipment in the production chain. The skills required to do this job include operations management, project management, manufacturing process engineering, and engineering design. To increase your earning potential, you can bolster your knowledge of Chef products, systems engineering, automation scripting, and chemical process engineering.
*Figure taken from the BLS listing for aerospace engineers
**Figure taken from the BLS listing for industrial engineers
***Figure taken from the BLS listing for computer network architects
****Figure taken from the BLS listing for computer systems analysts
Three Final Tips to Get a Job in Aerospace Engineering
- Research astronautical engineering. Get clarity on what it would take for you to be involved in the rapidly growing aerospace industry. Astronautical engineers earn high salaries and enjoy a bring job outlook. If you are interested in aerospace technology and would like to work for aerospace companies, this might be the right career path for you.
- Research aeronautical engineering. Find out what the requirements are to thrive in the broad field that is aeronautical engineering. Most of the work associated with a career like this will have to do with flight systems for everything below the atmosphere.
- Choose a field to specialize in. The pathway that you take at the beginning of your studies will have a significant impact on where you end up. Course correcting in aerospace engineering is not an easy thing to do, so make sure you have a plan laid out before you enroll in a degree program.
Aerospace engineering majors have a chance to work in a variety of fields, all related to the exciting prospect of flying within and outside our atmosphere. It is a highly specialized engineering field, which means you need to consider your options carefully and put in some hard work. This growing field will surely reward you for your efforts.
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