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Job outlook for aerospace engineers in the United States
Aerospace engineer job growth summary. After extensive research, interviews, and analysis, Zippia's data science team found that:
The projected aerospace engineer job growth rate is 6% from 2018-2028.
About 3,700 new jobs for aerospace engineers are projected over the next decade.
Aerospace engineer salaries have increased 8% for aerospace engineers in the last 5 years.
There are over 4,742 aerospace engineers currently employed in the United States.
There are 42,086 active aerospace engineer job openings in the US.
The average aerospace engineer salary is $100,401.
Are aerospace engineer jobs in demand?
Aerospace engineer job and salary trends over time
Aerospace engineer jobs over time
Aerospace engineer job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 4,742 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 5,076 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 5,292 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 5,355 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 5,506 | 0.00% |
Average aerospace engineer salary over time
Aerospace engineer salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,401 | $48.27 | +1.8% |
| 2024 | $98,615 | $47.41 | +1.1% |
| 2023 | $97,531 | $46.89 | +1.9% |
| 2022 | $95,677 | $46.00 | +3.1% |
| 2021 | $92,816 | $44.62 | +1.7% |
Aerospace engineer jobs by state
Most common states for aerospace engineers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 240 | 35% |
| 2 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 1,037 | 12% |
| 3 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 584 | 10% |
| 4 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 639 | 9% |
| 5 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 479 | 9% |
| 6 | Delaware | 961,939 | 88 | 9% |
| 7 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 606 | 8% |
| 8 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 337 | 8% |
| 9 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 238 | 8% |
| 10 | California | 39,536,653 | 2,951 | 7% |
| 11 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 318 | 7% |
| 12 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 88 | 7% |
| 13 | Arizona | 7,016,270 | 395 | 6% |
| 14 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 361 | 6% |
| 15 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 42 | 6% |
| 16 | Alaska | 739,795 | 41 | 6% |
| 17 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 32 | 6% |
| 18 | Ohio | 11,658,609 | 557 | 5% |
| 19 | Michigan | 9,962,311 | 459 | 5% |
| 20 | Vermont | 623,657 | 34 | 5% |
Most common cities for aerospace engineers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Herndon | 2 | 8% | $94,404 |
| 2 | Huntsville | 5 | 3% | $90,062 |
| 3 | Charlottesville | 1 | 2% | $93,416 |
| 4 | Arlington | 3 | 1% | $94,565 |
| 5 | Orlando | 2 | 1% | $77,713 |
| 6 | Glen Burnie | 1 | 1% | $99,162 |
| 7 | San Diego | 3 | 0% | $101,705 |
| 8 | Albuquerque | 2 | 0% | $100,802 |
| 9 | Fort Worth | 2 | 0% | $89,492 |
| 10 | Long Beach | 2 | 0% | $105,723 |
| 11 | Washington | 2 | 0% | $107,620 |
| 12 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $115,536 |
| 13 | Jacksonville | 1 | 0% | $77,152 |
Aerospace Engineer job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of aerospace engineer experts
Seattle University
University of Minnesota - Duluth
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
University of South Alabama
North Carolina State University
University of Cincinnati
Cincinnati State Technical & Community College
Weber State University
University of Washington
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Tzuyang Yu Ph.D.: A few tips to share with junior engineers are listed below. Be eager to learn from peers and other senior engineers, be open-minded to make friends, be adaptive to different cultures in the work environment, be professional (e.g., be punctual at deadlines, be mindful in appearance), be empathetic (focus on people, not mobile devices).
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Kambiz Farahmand Ph.D., P.E.: All engineering and technical skills will be in need. People who are capable to use technology will be in high demand. Project management skills. Ability to use various software and be able to do some coding. Understanding of AI and how it applies to the specific work that you do.
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Julie Brandis: Oregon State University provides support in salary negotiation, also students can work with mentors who are familiar with company hiring practices and wage structures. If you have internship experience, that can help to boost your starting salary.
Christopher Misorski FASM
Brunswick Technical Fellow-Materials Product Development & EngineeringWhat will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Christopher Misorski FASM: Maximizing salary potential at the start of your career is not a clear pathway generally. One way that you can be considered more valuable, and hence worth a better salary, is to have participated in a co-op or internship program with a company in your field. This experience gives employers some confidence that you were able to carry out assignments and thrive in a workplace environment. The employer that you worked for may be inclined to offer you a position upon graduation and you are now worth more because you have already proven to them your abilities. Even if they don’t offer you a job (no appropriate open position may be available) your ability to discuss your experiences with the HR recruiter or hiring manager at another company can instill confidence in your selection as a hire. Just remember, if you tell them you did a project, be prepared to explain it so it doesn’t appear you were just in the background of this project, just going along for the ride.
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Ms. Tracee Friess A.V.P.: You can get on a flight with a bunch of other people and with a high degree of confidence tell yourself it is not just magic pixie dust that makes the plane fly.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ms. Tracee Friess A.V.P.: Aerospace Engineers use knowledge of physics, mathematics, chemistry and other science and non-science disciplines to design flight and space vehicles for specific applications.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Ms. Tracee Friess A.V.P.: An exciting thing about the discipline of aerospace engineering is the small margins of error. The only thing smaller than the safety margins are the profit margins.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Thomas Congedo PhD: That comes from your ability to focus on technical product of the highest quality, always seeking to truly understand the customer’s needs. For example, often a customer will phrase a problem by stating the solution he or she assumes. Taking the time to respectfully draw out the thinking further can make you the customer’s hero, and this makes you the person likely to be selected for the challenging and most rewarded assignments.
Jhon Smith
Associate Professor and Director of MS in Structural EngineeringSeattle University
Civil Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Jhon Smith: Do not be afraid to ask questions to your supervisors (although do not take it to an extreme and become demanding—show initiative). You get the fundamentals of engineering at school and you are equipped to use them but it takes a few years to feel comfortable. Engineering is a profession of practice and it is only through practice that you best learn it.
Jiayue Shen
Mechanical Engineering Technology Program CoordinatorWhat general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Jiayue Shen: To maximize your salary potential when starting your career in Mechanical Engineering Technology, contemplate acquiring certifications like the FE or PE license, or additional training in high-demand specialized areas such as semiconductors. Moreover, gaining practical experience through academic clubs, undergraduate research, internships, or co-op programs can increase your appeal to employers, potentially resulting in higher salary offers.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Jiayue Shen: In the next 3-5 years, skills such as electronic control, basic programming, and critical thinking will become increasingly important in the field of Mechanical Engineering Technology. As industries like robotics, automation, and semiconductors continue to grow, professionals will need to be well-versed in these areas to stay competitive. Additionally, skills such as collaboration and effective oral and written communication will be crucial for advancing in one's career.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Richard Davis: Engineering offers career opportunities across various industries, from technology and healthcare to infrastructure and environmental sustainability. With technological advancements and the increasing complexity of global challenges, such as climate change, food and clean water, and urbanization, engineers are in high demand to develop innovative solutions. For example, environmental engineers are crucial in developing sustainable solutions to reduce pollution and conserve resources. Engineering provides opportunities for creativity and problem-solving, making it a rewarding career choice for those who enjoy tackling complex problems. The global focus on sustainability and renewable energy presents exciting prospects for engineers to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact society and the environment.
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Build skills in high demand areas such as data analytics, supply chain management, and automation. Certification such as Project Management Professional (PMP) can make a candidate more attractive and justify a higher starting salary. Internships can also provide valuable industry experience and can often lead to higher starting salaries.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mansooreh Mollaghasemi Ph.D.: Concurrent with building technical skills, they must build soft skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership. These skills are often the differentiators between good and great engineers.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Michael Denn: 1. The time needed to progress from an idea to a quality prototype is continually decreasing. That trend will likely continue. Skills that support short development times, such as computer modeling, simulations and rapid prototyping, will continue to be valued. 2. One skill that will always be valuable is the ability to acquire new knowledge and apply it to the task at hand.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Michael Denn: The answers to this question are largely the same as the answer to question 1. However, here are some additional points: 1. Excel in your job. Become the person everyone goes to for whatever type of work you do. 2. Develop and maintain a career plan. Make sure your assignments and tasks align with your plan. When you have the opportunity to change positions, keep you plan in mind.
Edmund Spencer
Associate ProfessorUniversity of South Alabama
Electrical, Electronics, And Communications Engineering
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Edmund Spencer: Look for jobs that have the highest technical content, and try to develop entrepreneurial skills early.
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Daniel Armentrout: The excessive number of baby boomer engineers are retiring at high rates and you as a new engineering graduate are desperately needed to make up for their loss in the workforce. You will face challenges in your career we could not anticipate or prepare you for in your education. You will have to adapt and continue to learn new fields of study which did not exist when you graduated. We have given you tools to learn and you will have to use those tools to remain relevant throughout your career. Find your place as an engineer when you can be effective, help humanity, and have fun. Plot a career path where you can utilize your strengths and challenge your mind to do new things. Contribute to making a better world and you will be able to enjoy immense satisfaction and a sense of accomplishment.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Daniel Armentrout: Expanded use of swarms of cheap sensors that communicate on multiple platforms for better understanding and control of complicated systems. Integrated use of artificial intelligence to increase our effectiveness in all aspects of our jobs.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Alexey Gulyuk: Being an Engineer means to be educated in many fields and, what is even more important, to be able to get out of your initial field of expertise and quickly learn new things. In essence, good Engineer has no limits or can push through the limits. Being an engineer is to be a highly-skilled individual that works on impactful projects that solve real-world problems. Currently, Engineering is in high demand and the field will continue growth with further advancements of the technologies like biotech, data science, renewable and non-conventional energy. Lastly, Engineering allows us to stay up-to-date and being able to follow the trends in diverse career opportunities.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mohammed Daqaq: Given its breadth, I feel that ME is the most versatile engineering degree. It covers many different fundamental fields including thermofluidic sciences, dynamical systems, controls, design, mechatronics, robotics, etc. With minor additional training, ME graduates can also easily adapt to work in the aerospace industry, nuclear, and bioengineering domains. Thus, an ME degree is always trendy and companies seek to hire ME graduates regardless of how the market changes.
Paul Orkwis
DrUniversity of Cincinnati
Aerospace, Aeronautical, And Astronautical/Space Engineering
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Paul Orkwis: Have skills and be willing to do things that might at first appear to be uninteresting. Engineers are paid for what they know, and sometimes that means you need to do some of the less pleasant tasks in order to learn the basics is extremely important. When opportunities for learning present themselves, open that door, it will pay dividends in the end.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Paul Orkwis: With the advent of digital design and simulation, it is extremely important to remain skeptical of analyses that come out of a computer. By that I mean it is important to look for ways to check whether results are correct. It is tempting to take results at face value and not question their validity, but it is in asking how one knows the result is correct that they learn about quality. I also think that finding ways to exploit technology so that it works for you and simplifies your life is critical. Using coding co-pilots, for example, allows you to be more productive when writing software and information retrieval using AI will be a trusted tool in the near future. Verifying accuracy so that you can trust their help is vital.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Paul Orkwis: My first advice for a graduate is to continue to think like a student, that is, continue to learn. Aerospace Engineering is a highly dynamic field that is truly on the cutting edge. Skills that are valuable now may not be valuable in 5-10 years. The successful engineer will look for opportunities to learn new things and improve their skillset.
What general advice would you give to an Aerospace Engineer?
Saeed Khan: First of all, find a position that corresponds to their technical interests for the long run. Carefully seek out what the expectations of their chosen position are and identify the gaps in skills and knowledge required. Work ceaselessly to gain proficiencies that allow them to excel using every resource at hand.
What Aerospace Engineer skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Saeed Khan: Keeping up with the latest technology in materials, control systems, airframes, and communication systems as it relates to their responsibility is essential alongside development of people skills and communication facilities that help them market their ideas to their team.
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Saeed Khan: Engineering Technology graduates are valued for their ability to implement and breadboard better than engineers by companies that hire from both majors based on survey data. Employers more familiar with these attributes and who value these skills will be pre-disposed to offering good salary and benefits to new graduates.
Mike DeVore Ph.D.
Professor & Program ChairCincinnati State Technical & Community College
Mechanical Engineering Technology
What hard/technical skills are most important for Aerospace Engineers?
Mike DeVore Ph.D.: -Computer-Aided Design
-Knowledge of manufacturing processes
-A good mathematics foundation
-Technical communication
-Problem solving
What will help Aerospace Engineers increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Tye Gardner Ph.D.: Getting a master's degree goes a long way to making candidates stand out and improving earnings. My recommendation is to tailor your MS degree to the specific field you're interested in working in, because employers really want to see candidates that are passionate about the field, and very few people survive a graduate degree without at least a little passion. Available salary data indicates that if you choose an affordable program (let's just say Weber State University), it takes only a few years to pay off the added cost, increases starting salaries, and dramatically improves long-term earning potential. Moreover, you can find electrical engineers with MBAs at C-level positions all over the country. It turns out being an EE makes you a good candidate for business leadership.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Aerospace Engineer job market given the pandemic?
Marco Salviato Ph.D.: The pandemic has hit some sectors hard while other industrial sectors have been basically unaffected. For instance, the demand for engineers in the commercial aviation industry has seen a slowdown due to the pandemic that will probably last a few years. On the other hand, the aerospace industry is thriving and it is growing at an unprecedented pace. If I can give some advice to young students deciding on their major, I would say they should follow their passion. If they are passionate about Aerospace Engineering, they should follow their dream. Aerospace Engineering will always be strong and aerospace engineers will be always in high demand thanks to their multidisciplinary preparation across structural mechanics, control theory, fluid mechanics, and system engineering.
What skills stand out on Aerospace Engineer resumes?
Marco Salviato Ph.D.: I ask and I get asked this question a lot. Of course excellent academic performance goes a long way but it is not enough to be competitive. Most of the industrial partners I collaborate with tell me they are looking for "problem solvers", engineers who have strong fundamentals and who know how to apply them to solve engineering problems. They also look for "soft skills" such as project management experience, excellence in reporting scientific results and outcome of projects, leadership skills, and ability to work in a team.
My advice to students to nurture these skills is to engage as early as possible with student clubs such as UW Design Build Fly (DBF) or SARP (Society for Advanced Rocket Propulsion). Another good idea is to get involved as soon as possible in research activities conducted by faculty in the Department. Finally, I cannot stress enough the importance of participating in summer internships at aerospace companies. For all these activities to be relevant, it is important to make sure there are tangible outcomes and the contribution of the student is evident. A sentence such as, "I worked in a team of twenty people to design a new concept of bracket for an aerospace hydraulic fuel system. I was the leader of a team of five people in charge of the structural design. Leveraging Finite Element Analysis we were able to reduce the weight of the bracket of more than 50 percent compared to legacy design. In addition to the FEM simulations, my responsibilities included organizing weekly meetings with the team to discuss progress, deliverables, and timeline, presenting the results to the company, and writing monthly scientific reports" really stands out in a resume. All the industrial partners I work with told me that having these experiences with tangible outcomes in the resume is one of the key deciding factors for a new hire.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Aerospace Engineers to find work opportunities?
Marco Salviato Ph.D.: I am a little biased here but, honestly, I cannot think of a better place than the Greater Seattle area and Washington State. We have the best aerospace companies in the world and the aerospace industry is an integral part of the economy and history of the State.