Aerospace engineering focuses on the design, development, and production of flight vehicles and related systems. Understanding the size and distribution of this specialized workforce is helpful for students considering a career path or analysts gauging the health of the defense and commercial aviation sectors. The scale of this profession provides insight into the nation’s capacity for innovation in air travel, national security, and space exploration.
Current Statistics on U.S. Aerospace Engineers
The aerospace engineering profession is relatively concentrated. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that aerospace engineers held approximately 71,600 jobs in the U.S. workforce as of May 2024. This figure represents the number of jobs classified under the aerospace engineer occupation code, measuring the industry’s professional core. The employment count fluctuates based on cycles of government defense spending and the commercial aviation manufacturing environment.
Key Industries Employing Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers work across several distinct sectors, primarily for manufacturers of flight vehicles and components. The largest share of the profession works within the Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing industry (37%), focusing on designing and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. Engineering services firms employ 15% of the workforce, providing specialized consulting and technical expertise to clients.
The Federal Government, including agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense (DoD), accounts for another 15% of employment, overseeing large-scale projects and procurements. Additionally, 10% of aerospace engineers are employed in Scientific Research and Development services, driving advancements in materials, propulsion systems, and advanced technologies.
Geographic Concentration of the Profession
Employment for aerospace engineers is concentrated in specific regions tied to major defense contractors and government facilities. States like California, Washington, and Texas consistently lead the nation in total aerospace engineering employment, hosting numerous research and development centers and manufacturing plants.
Major metropolitan areas serve as key hubs due to the proximity of large employers and specialized infrastructure. High densities of professionals are found in cities such as Huntsville, Alabama (home to NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center), and the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area in Washington. Other notable concentrations include aerospace clusters in Florida and metropolitan areas like Dallas-Fort Worth and Los Angeles-Anaheim-San Diego.
Job Market Outlook and Growth Projections
The job market for aerospace engineers is projected to expand over the next decade. Employment is expected to grow by 6% from 2024 to 2034, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several factors:
The continued need to design more fuel-efficient commercial aircraft.
Advancements in space exploration, including the rise of private space companies.
Ongoing defense spending and the development of new unmanned aerial systems (UAS).
The need to replace workers transferring to other occupations or leaving the labor force.
This growth rate translates to an average of about 4,500 openings for aerospace engineers each year.
Educational and Licensing Requirements
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering is the minimum educational requirement for entry into the profession. A degree in a related field like mechanical engineering may also be acceptable. Programs accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) are preferred by employers and often required for professional licensure.
Advanced degrees, such as a Master’s or Ph.D., are important for engineers interested in specialized research roles, academic positions, or technical leadership. While not required for entry-level positions, a Professional Engineer (P.E.) license allows an engineer to offer services directly to the public and sign off on projects.
Obtaining a P.E. license involves:
Graduating from an accredited program.
Passing the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
Gaining four years of relevant work experience.
Passing the Principles and Practice of Engineering (PE) exam.
Compensation and Salary Ranges
Aerospace engineers receive compensation reflective of their specialized technical skills. The national median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,830 as of May 2024.
Earnings vary significantly based on experience; the lowest 10% earned less than $85,350, while the highest 10% earned more than $205,850 per year. New engineers entering the field with a bachelor’s degree typically start at an annual salary that averages around $79,700, which grows quickly with experience.
Compensation also varies by industry:
Scientific Research and Development services: $143,860.
Federal Government: $140,710.
Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing: $134,950.