Aerospace engineers design, test, and improve aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. The work is analytical and technical, rooted in physics and mathematics. You'll need a bachelor's degree and strong problem-solving skills to enter the field.
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Aerospace engineers work on the design and performance of aircraft, spacecraft, and propulsion systems. You'll spend time analyzing data, running simulations on computers, and solving complex technical problems. The role involves reading and interpreting engineering specifications, writing technical documentation, and making decisions about design improvements. You identify potential issues in systems and components, gather information from tests and research, and collaborate with teams to refine solutions. The work blends creativity with rigorous scientific thinking.
Core work activities
Career video courtesy of CareerOneStop.
Aerospace Engineers earn a median of $134,960 a year, based on 2025 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and location.
The outlook is strong. Employment is projected to grow 6 percent from 2024 to 2034, faster than average for all occupations, with about 4,500 openings a year.
Top skills
Knowledge areas
You'll need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field. The path requires strong preparation in mathematics and physics, so take those courses seriously in high school if you can. Your degree program will cover engineering principles, design, computer modeling, and hands-on projects. Look for internships or co-op opportunities during your studies to build experience and make industry connections. After graduation, you may pursue additional certifications or advanced degrees depending on your career goals.
Most aerospace engineers start with a four-year bachelor's degree. The timeline and program fit depend on your academic background and career goals, so if you're deciding where to begin, Pathly can map the aerospace engineer path that fits you and work through it with your counselor to build a plan that matches your situation.
Many aerospace engineers must be licensed, and professional certifications can strengthen your resume.
Common certifications
Licensing is handled at the state level and the requirements vary, so check the licensing board in your state. Pathly shows your state's specific steps inside your roadmap.
You're drawn to investigative work that requires curiosity, analysis, and problem-solving. You enjoy understanding how systems work and using data to make informed decisions.
Reading about a career is the easy part. Turning it into a plan is where most students get stuck. Pathly takes you from curious to a clear next step, and gives your counselor the insight to champion you along the way.
Start with a quick quiz and assessments that surface your personality, your EQ, and what really motivates you, so your next steps are built around who you actually are.
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Last updated July 1, 2026.
Data sources. Career details from the O*NET 30.3 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under CC BY 4.0. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. Salary and outlook figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2025 wages; 2024–2034 projections), delivered via the CareerOneStop API. Certification, licensing, wage, and outlook data from CareerOneStop, sponsored by USDOL/ETA and the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).