The median pay for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians is $82,890 a year ($39.85/hr), according to BLS OEWS, May 2025. Employment is projected to grow 11.9% through 2035, with about 1,100 openings a year (BLS EP, 2025–2035). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 17-3021
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician in four numbers
- Median pay
- $82,890a year, or $39.85/hrBLS OEWS, May 2025Lowest 10% $59KTop 10% $125K
US median, all jobs: $50,980
- Projected growth
- +11.9%Much faster than averageBLS EP, 2025–2035This career+11.9%All jobs+3.5%
Projected employment change, 2025–2035 Item Value This career +11.9% All jobs +3.5% - Openings a year
- 1,10011,600 jobs todayBLS EP, 2025–2035
- Jobs in 202511.6K
- Projected 203512.9K
Employment, 2025–2035 Item Value Jobs in 2025 11.6K Projected 2035 12.9K - Typical education
- Associate'sneeded to enterBLS EP, 2025–2035; mix: O*NET
- High school19.7%
- Certificate39.2%
- Associate's33.2%
- Bachelor's7.9%
Highest education held by aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians Segment Value High school 19.7% Certificate 39.2% Associate's 33.2% Bachelor's 7.9%
Also advertised as: Avionics Installation Technician, Avionics Test Technician, Engineering Technician, Engineering Test Technician, Flight Test Instrument Technician, Instrumentation Technician.
Pay
How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians make?
Every aerospace engineering and operations technologist and technician in the US, by percentile of annual wage
Median
$82,890
Middle half earn $67,680 to $111,280
- 10th
- $59,050
- 25th
- $67,680
- 75th
- $111,280
- 90th
- $125,160
All US occupations: $50,980
| Percentile | Value |
|---|---|
| 10th | $59,050 |
| 25th | $67,680 |
| Median | $82,890 |
| 75th | $111,280 |
| 90th | $125,160 |
| All US occupations | $50,980 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
- Median annual wage
- $82,890
- Median hourly wage
- $39.85/hr
- Mean annual wage
- $91,310
- People employed
- 11,280
Versus all US occupations
At $82,890, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn 63% above the $50,980 median across all US occupations, a difference of $31,910 a year.
Versus architecture and engineering occupations
Inside the Architecture and Engineering group, where the middle occupation pays $104,110, this is 20% below the group median.
Pay range
The top 10% earn $125,160 or more while the bottom 10% earn $59,050, a gap of 2.1×. That is a typical spread for a US occupation.
Rank in the bank
This median pays more than 63% of the 1,741 occupations in the NueCareer career bank.
Highest-paying state
Washington pays the most at $125,160, and still leads at $116,958 once local prices are taken into account.
Pay by state
Which states pay Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians the most?
State medians come from the same OEWS release as the national figures. The cost-of-living column divides each state median by that state's BEA Regional Price Parity, restating pay in national-average dollars so a high-cost state and a low-cost one can be compared directly.
| State | Median | COL-adjusted | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1Washington | $125,160 | $116,958 | 1,590 |
| 2Alaska | $105,780 | $103,342 | 40 |
| 3Nevada | $102,980 | $103,002 | 50 |
| 4California | $99,000 | $89,415 | 1,560 |
| 5Colorado | $98,990 | $96,058 | 660 |
| 6Maryland | $91,820 | $87,482 | 200 |
| 7Oregon | $81,100 | $78,463 | 120 |
| 8Virginia | $81,040 | $80,155 | 270 |
| 9Massachusetts | $79,420 | $75,097 | 30 |
| 10Connecticut | $79,410 | $76,643 | 70 |
Job outlook
Is Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician a growing career?
Employment change over 2025–2035, against every US occupation
Much faster than average. +11.9% projected growth vs 3.5% for all occupations.
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | +11.9% |
| All US occupations | +3.5% |
Source: BLS EP, 2025–2035
Much faster than average
BLS projects employment of Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians to change 11.9% over 2025–2035, roughly 3.4× the 3.5% projected for all occupations. That is 1,400 more jobs.
Annual openings
About 1,100 openings are projected each year, 9.5% of the 11,600 jobs that existed in 2025. Most come from workers leaving the occupation, not from growth alone.
Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.
Technological advances have reduced the cost of launching satellites. Demand for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is expected to increase as space becomes more accessible, especially with innovations that make small satellites commercially viable. New developments in types of aircrafts, such as electric hybrids, also are expected to drive an increase in employment. In addition, continued interest in drones is expected to support employment growth for these workers.
Getting in
How to become an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related field. Some employers consider candidates who have a high school diploma or have completed a certificate program. Some aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians must have security clearances to work on projects related to national defense. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain types and levels of clearance.
- 1
Typical entry-level education
Associate's degree
- 2
Work experience in a related occupation
None
- 3
Typical on-the-job training
None
- 4
Preparation needed (O*NET job zone)
Some preparation
BLS Employment Projections, 2025–2035; job zone from O*NET 31.0 Database.
What education people in the job have
O*NET incumbent survey: the highest level of education reported by people already working as aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians.
- Post-Secondary Certificate39.2%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree33.2%
- High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED)19.7%
- Bachelor's Degree7.9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Post-Secondary Certificate | 39.2% |
| Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree | 33.2% |
| High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED) | 19.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 7.9% |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
The work
What does an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician do?
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.
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety and precision of key parts of these vehicles and systems.
Day-to-day tasks
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
- Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
O*NET core tasks, ordered by reported importance.
Working conditions and hours
Most aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work full time. Depending on the employer or project, they may work in shifts or be required to work overtime.
Where the work happens
Indoors, climate-controlled
NeverEvery dayIndoors, in a climate-controlled space, every day.
Outdoors in all weather
NeverEvery day
Physical demands
Sitting
NeverAlmost all the timeStanding
NeverAlmost all the timeBending or twisting
NeverAlmost all the time
Working with people
Contact with other people
NoneConstantFace-to-face discussions
NeverEvery dayFace-to-face discussions every day.
Dealing with the public
Not importantExtremely important
Pressure and stakes
Strict deadlines
NeverEvery dayMeeting strict deadlines at least weekly.
Conflict situations
NeverEvery dayCost of a mistake
Not seriousExtremely serious
Autonomy
Freedom to decide
NoneA lotA lot of freedom to make decisions without checking first.
Schedules: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition. Conditions: O*NET Work Context survey. Each item has its own scale, so each dot is read against the two answers that end its own line.
Where aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work
Share of jobs by employer type
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing44%
- Engineering services16%
- Scientific research and development services12%
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing9%
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 44% |
| Engineering services | 16% |
| Scientific research and development services | 12% |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 9% |
Source: BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2025–2035 edition
Core skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Critical Thinking3.9
- Reading Comprehension3.8
- Active Listening3.6
- Speaking3.6
- Writing3.1
- Science3.1
- Monitoring3.1
- Mathematics3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Critical Thinking | 3.9 |
| Reading Comprehension | 3.8 |
| Active Listening | 3.6 |
| Speaking | 3.6 |
| Writing | 3.1 |
| Science | 3.1 |
| Monitoring | 3.1 |
| Mathematics | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Transferable skills
O*NET importance, 1 to 5
- Operations Monitoring3.8
- Quality Control Analysis3.8
- Complex Problem Solving3.5
- Troubleshooting3.3
- Judgment and Decision Making3.3
- Time Management3.1
- Operation and Control3.0
- Repairing3.0
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Operations Monitoring | 3.8 |
| Quality Control Analysis | 3.8 |
| Complex Problem Solving | 3.5 |
| Troubleshooting | 3.3 |
| Judgment and Decision Making | 3.3 |
| Time Management | 3.1 |
| Operation and Control | 3.0 |
| Repairing | 3.0 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
Tools and software
- Computer aided design CAD software · in demand
- Data base management system software · in demand
- Data base user interface and query software · in demand
- Document management software · in demand
- Electronic mail software · in demand
- Enterprise application integration software · in demand
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software · in demand
- Object or component oriented development software · in demand
- Office suite software · in demand
- Operating system software · in demand
- Presentation software · in demand
- Process mapping and design software · in demand
“In demand” marks an O*NET Employer-Based Hot Technology, software named in real job postings for this occupation.
Personality fit
What personality type suits an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician?
O*NET Occupational Interests (RIASEC), scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician |
|---|---|
| Realistic | 6 |
| Investigative | 5 |
| Artistic | 1 |
| Social | 1 |
| Enterprising | 1 |
| Conventional | 5 |
Source: O*NET 31.0 Database
What the work is built around
Day to day this is work built around hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors, combined with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data.
- Realistic6.5
- Conventional5.3
- Investigative5.1
- Enterprising1.4
- Artistic1.0
- Social1.0
Closest MBTI types
NueCareer fit scores: cosine similarity between each MBTI type's interest vector and this occupation's O*NET interest profile. Not a BLS or O*NET figure; the method is documented on our methodology page.
Explore further
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Median annual pay, with aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians highlighted
- Aerospace Engineer$134,960
- Electrical Engineer$120,630
- Environmental Engineer$107,110
- Mechanical Engineer$104,110
- Automotive Engineer$104,110
- Industrial Engineer$102,440
- Civil Engineer$100,840
- Architect$99,280
- Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician$82,890
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer | $134,960 |
| Electrical Engineer | $120,630 |
| Environmental Engineer | $107,110 |
| Mechanical Engineer | $104,110 |
| Automotive Engineer | $104,110 |
| Industrial Engineer | $102,440 |
| Civil Engineer | $100,840 |
| Architect | $99,280 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician | $82,890 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Specialty careers within aerospace engineering and operations technologist and technician
Distinct careers BLS counts inside this occupation, each with its own profile.
Lists Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician appears on
Questions
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians make?
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $82,890 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). That is 63% above the $50,980 median for all US occupations. That works out at $39.85/hr. The middle half earn between $67,680 and $111,280. The top 10% earn $125,160 or more.
Do you need a degree to become an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician?
Usually a two-year degree rather than a four-year one. BLS lists an associate's degree as the typical entry-level education for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians. In O*NET's survey of people already doing the job, 39.2% hold post-secondary certificate.
Is Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician a growing career?
Yes, strongly. Employment is projected to grow 11.9% over 2025–2035, more than double the 3.5% projected for all occupations (BLS EP, 2025–2035). BLS still projects about 1,100 openings a year, mostly from workers retiring or moving to other work.
What does an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician do?
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. A core O*NET task: record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms. Employers most often ask for Computer aided design CAD software, Data base management system software, Data base user interface and query software.
Which states pay Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians the most?
The highest state medians for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians are Washington ($125,160), Alaska ($105,780), Nevada ($102,980) (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What personality type suits an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician?
O*NET scores Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians highest on the Realistic, Conventional and Investigative interest areas, so the work mixes hands-on, practical work with tools, machines or the outdoors with organising, following procedures and working precisely with data. On NueCareer's MBTI-to-interest mapping that lines up most closely with ISTJ personalities. Personality is a fit signal, not a gate. The free NueCareer quiz scores your own profile against all 1,731 careers in the bank.