Projected to grow +8.1% through 2034, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is expanding faster than most occupations. Median pay is $82,890, and early movers in a growing field often advance faster.
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Also known as:
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn $82,890 nationally, above the national median for college graduates. The middle 50% of earners fall between $67,680 and $111,280. Actual pay varies by employer, specialization, and location.
Above the national median for college graduates.
25th to 75th percentile. Most workers earn within this band.
O*NET data identifies 5 core activities and 5 measurable skills for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians roles. Use this section to judge whether the day-to-day reality aligns with what you actually want to spend time doing.
Hands-on tasks, physical activity, or working with tools and real materials are central parts of the daily work here.
Success depends on precision and structured processes, where detail-oriented people who work consistently within established systems perform best.
This career demands analytical thinking: researching problems, interpreting data, and applying logical reasoning to find practical solutions.
What the physical and mental conditions of this job actually look like day to day, based on O*NET Work Context data collected from people working in this occupation.
Split between indoor and outdoor or field settings.
Mix of sitting and movement throughout the day.
High time pressure and significant consequences for errors. Deadline-driven or high-stakes decisions are common.
The BLS projects +8.1% employment change for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians through 2034, well above the national average of +5%. About 900 openings per year keep the field accessible to new entrants.
Faster than average.
New positions plus replacements for retirees and career-changers.
Total US employment as of BLS May 2024.
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034 and Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics May 2024.
The five states below employ the most Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians professionals nationwide. State-level wages can differ significantly from the $82,890 national median. Research your specific market before committing to a program.
| # | State | Jobs | Median Wage | vs. National |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Florida | 1,590 | $80,150 | -3.3% |
| 2 | Ohio | 1,020 | $76,750 | -7.4% |
| 3 | California | 900 | $96,370 | +16.3% |
| 4 | Texas | 660 | $83,320 | +0.5% |
| 5 | Kansas | 650 | $76,130 | -8.2% |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Employment figures rounded. Read our methodology →
Most Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians positions require a associate's degree to qualify. The 6 programs below are the most common academic pathways into this field, ranked by how many graduates they produce each year.
A medium amount of preparation is required, often an associate degree, certificate program, or apprenticeship, plus some related experience.
| # | Program | Graduates/yr | 4yr Median | Colleges |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Vehicle Maintenance | 68,347 | $80,809 | 956 |
| 2 | Aerospace Engineering | 9,220 | $98,207 | 95 |
| 3 | Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 8,331 | $84,599 | 572 |
| 4 | Mechanical Engineering Tech | 5,841 | $82,073 | 321 |
| 5 | Engineering Technologies/Technicians | 4,002 | $80,526 | 261 |
| 6 | Military Systems and Maintenance Technology | 188 | $75,390 | 9 |
Colleges offering the degree programs that lead to this career, ranked by UCD Score. A strong program plus solid outcomes is a good place to begin your search.
| # | College | UCD Score | Net Price | Salary 10yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | United States Naval Academy Annapolis, MD | 97 | — | — |
| 2 | United States Air Force Academy USAF Academy, CO | 96 | — | — |
| 3 | United States Military Academy West Point, NY | 96 | — | — |
| 4 | University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA | 93 | $12,548 | $82,511 |
| 5 | University of California-San Diego La Jolla, CA | 93 | $12,470 | $84,943 |
| 6 | University of Florida Gainesville, FL | 93 | $6,541 | $71,588 |
Once you've sized up Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, these tools turn the numbers into a plan. Estimate the real cost of a degree that leads here, weigh the long-term payoff, compare specific colleges side-by-side, and find programs that match your profile.
See if the degree that leads to Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians pays off. Weighs each college's cost against the earnings graduates see.
Enter a budget and see the colleges whose net price fits, with the out-of-pocket cost and likely loan load for each.
Put any 2–4 colleges side-by-side. Admissions, cost, outcomes, and earnings, all on one screen, no tab-hopping.
Answer six quick questions and see your best-fit colleges ranked by budget, field of study, and what matters most to you.
Strong earnings and growing demand make Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians a compelling path. The 4 strengths and 1 trade-offs below are drawn from BLS wage data and employment projections.
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