Aeronautical engineers: Salary, career path, job outlook, education and more
Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft. They are involved primarily in designing aircraft and propulsion systems and in studying the aerodynamic performance of aircraft and construction materials. They work with the theory, technology, and practice of flight within the Earths atmosphere.
- Education Required
- Entry-level aerospace engineers usually need a bachelors degree. High school students interested in studying aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, advanced math, and computer programming and computer languages.
- Job Outlook
-
The projected percent change in employment from 2016 to 2026: 6% (As fast as average)
(The average growth rate for all occupations is 7 percent.) - Advancement
- Eventually, aerospace engineers may advance to become technical specialists or to supervise a team of engineers and technicians. Some may even become engineering managers or move into executive positions, such as program managers.
- Licenses/Certifications
- Licensure for aerospace engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in ones career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires
- Median pay: How much do Aerospace Engineers make?
- $109,650 Annual Salary
- $52.72 per hour
Careers for Aerospace Engineers
- Aerodynamic engineers
- Aircraft design engineers
- Aircraft designers
- Aircraft engineers
- Astronautical engineers
- Flight systems test engineers
- Flight test engineers
- Rocket engineers
- Wind tunnel engineers