Why We Love It
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$68,620Potential Avg. Salary
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3.5%Job Growth Rate
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Growing DemandJob Outlook
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Good Entry Level SalaryCareer Attribute
Aerospace technicians work in both the public and private sector to test, build, and maintain air and space vehicles as well as their electrical and electronic systems. They may work to install, repair, or perform quality control on systems used in either commercial air travel or space exploration vehicles.
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What is an Aerospace Technician?
The following job responsibilities are common for individuals in aerospace technician roles:
- Assist aerospace engineers in the design, development, and testing of technologies used on aircrafts or in space exploration
- Conduct and oversee testing to ensure functionality, reliability, and safety of developed products
- Conduct testing to identify components that are causing malfunctions
A Day in the Life
Aerospace technicians work in both the public and private sector to test, build, and maintain air and space vehicles as well as their electrical and electronic systems. As tasks can overlap between research, development, and production, the aerospace technician’s role is largely found in their service to engineers. While the latter create new aerospace innovations and designs, the technician will work to test these designs, installation of new parts and software, repairs, and quality control.
As part of the support team, an aerospace technician may not bear the same decision-making responsibility as their superiors, but they are required to understand the same concepts. This means that working knowledge of air and space vehicles as well as tracking and positioning systems form the basis for much of the work that an aerospace technician would be entrusted to perform on a day-to-day basis for their employers.
Individual tasks that fall under the purview of an aerospace technician can differ drastically depending upon the company or government agency where the technician is employed. For a consumer airline company, administering part testing or collecting flight data may be regular job responsibilities while a governmental position could see an aerospace technician preparing a space shuttle for its next voyage or installing electronic systems to aid in flight control, communications, or navigation.
Typical Work Schedule
Most aerospace technician roles are full-time jobs, though the working hours and days may vary by employer. Overtime can be common for this role, especially during high production times or to meet project deadlines.
Aerospace Technician Specializations
- Aeronautical technicians specialize in assisting aeronautical engineers with the creation and testing of products and components used in airplanes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft.
- Astronautical technicians specialize in assisting astronautical engineers with the creation of products and components used in space travel and exploration, such as spacecraft and satellites.
Typical Employers
The industries that employ the highest number of aerospace technicians include manufacturing, engineering, government, and research and development.
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How To Become an Aerospace Technician
To find employment as an aerospace technician, nearly all applicants will need to have specialized studies culminating in at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree. The most common fields for these degrees are aerospace technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering. For many, the position of aerospace technician is an entry-level job that opens access to future employment as an aerospace engineer or other, more advanced roles.
In addition to university degree programs, there are also specialized training and certification opportunities that can lead to an aerospace technician position. Some of the more popular options include certification by SpaceTEC or the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies, and enrollment in the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics organization, which provides member benefits and announcements of aerospace technician jobs.
While not required for a position as an aerospace technician, it is advisable to seek an apprenticeship/experience in the industry with an airline operator, engineering firm, government agency, or research agency to develop the on-the-job skills that will further career advancement. Many companies in this industry also offer continued learning courses and seminars to keep employees up-to-date with innovations, new technology, and changes in common practice.
Aerospace Technician Salary Data
We’ve provided you the following to learn more about this career. The salary and growth data on this page comes from recently published Bureau of Labor Statistics data while the recommendations and editorial content are based on our research.
National Anual Salary
Low Range
$51,660Average
$68,620High Range
$99,090National Hourly Wage
Low Range
$25/hrAverage
$33/hrHigh Range
$48/hrHow do Aerospace Technician salaries stack up to other jobs across the country? Based on the latest jobs data nationwide, Aerospace Technician's can make an average annual salary of $68,620, or $33 per hour. On the lower end, they can make $51,660 or $25 per hour, perhaps when just starting out or based on the state you live in.
Salary Rankings And Facts
#209 Nationally for All Careers
Above Average Salary Nationally
Programs and Degrees
Here are the most common degrees for becoming an Aerospace Technician. a is usually recommended and specifically a degree or coursework that prepares you for the particular field, see below.
Highest Education Among Aerospace Technicians
- 0.5% Doctorate
- 2.6% Masters
- 15.2% Bachelors
- 21.6% Associates
- 33.5% College
- 22.6% High School
- 4% Less than High School
Job Growth Projections and Forecast
2014 Total Jobs
11,4002024 Est. Jobs
11,800Job Growth Rate
3.5%Est. New Jobs
400How does Aerospace Technician job growth stack up to other jobs across the country? By 2024, there will be a change of 400 jobs for a total of 11,800 people employed in the career nationwide. This is a 3.5% change in growth over the next ten years, giving the career a growth rate nationwide of Above Average.
Growth Rankings And Facts
#498 Nationally for All Careers
Above Avg. Growth Nationally
What Companies Employ The Most Aerospace Technicians
| Industry | Current Jobs | New Jobs Needed | % Increase |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 3,700 | -200 | 0% |
| Engineering services | 2,000 | 700 | 1% |
| Testing laboratories | 1,800 | 100 | 0% |
