Assembles, plumbs, instruments and operates rocket engine test stands and launch hardware, handling high-pressure gases and cryogenic propellants. BLS does not publish separate figures for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians; it counts them within aerospace engineering and operations technologist and technician (SOC 17-3021), whose median pay is $82,890 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Typical entry-level education: Associate's degree.
- SOC 17-3021
- Architecture and Engineering
- Last updated October 9, 2026
At a glance
Propulsion Test 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: Rocket Test Technician, Engine Test Technician, Test Stand Technician, Launch Technician, Propulsion Technician.
Pay
How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians make?
Every propulsion test 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 Propulsion Test 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.
Getting in
How to become a Propulsion Test Technician
Many technicians come from aviation maintenance, military, industrial or welding backgrounds, and an associate degree in engineering technology or an FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate is common. Experience with high-pressure systems, tubing, electrical wiring and reading schematics transfers directly.
Employers train new hires on their own procedures and safety rules for cryogens and hazardous fluids. Because rocket hardware is export controlled under ITAR, U.S. citizenship or permanent residency is usually required.
- 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 a Propulsion Test Technician do?
Propulsion test technicians do the hands-on work behind rocket engine tests and launches. They install engines and components on test stands, run and torque tubing, fit valves, regulators and sensors, and wire data acquisition systems. During tests they operate propellant and pressurant systems, monitor readings and help secure the stand afterward.
Technicians also maintain ground support equipment, perform leak checks and cleanliness verification, and document every step against procedures, since a single loose fitting can end a test. Employers include NASA's Stennis Space Center and other test centers, launch companies at Cape Canaveral, Texas and California sites, and propulsion startups.
Day-to-day tasks
- Install engines and components on test stands
- Fabricate and install high-pressure tubing, valves and regulators
- Install and wire pressure, temperature and vibration sensors
- Perform leak checks and cleanliness verification on fluid systems
- Operate propellant and pressurant systems during tests
- Maintain ground support equipment between tests
- Document work steps against approved procedures
Typical tasks, researched by NueCareer from the sources below.
Working conditions and hours
Technicians work outdoors on test stands and launch pads and indoors in shops, often in hot, cold or windy conditions at remote sites. The work involves climbing, lifting and working at heights, wearing protective gear around cryogenic and pressurized systems. Test campaigns bring early starts, long shifts and weekend work.
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.
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.
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 a Propulsion Test Technician?
NueCareer estimate (Holland code RCI) built on O*NET's Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician profile, scored 1 to 7
| Axis | Propulsion Test 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
- Conventional5.5
- Investigative5.2
- 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
Careers related to Propulsion Test Technician
O*NET related occupations
- Architecture and Engineering
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician
$82,890median a year
Most earn $59K to $125K
+11.9%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair
- Architecture and Engineering
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologist and Technician
$73,900median a year
Most earn $48K to $110K
+2.6%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering Technologist and Technician
$74,510median a year
Most earn $48K to $106K
+1.3%Associate's - Architecture and Engineering
More architecture and engineering careers
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
- Propulsion Test 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 |
| Propulsion Test Technician | $82,890 |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025
Lists Propulsion Test Technician appears on
Questions
Propulsion Test Technician: frequently asked questions
How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians make?
BLS does not publish a separate wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians. It counts them within aerospace engineering and operations technologist and technician, whose median pay is $82,890 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). The middle half of that occupation earn between $67,680 and $111,280, and the top 10% earn $125,160 or more.
Do you need a degree to become a Propulsion Test 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 Propulsion Test 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 a Propulsion Test Technician do?
Propulsion test technicians do the hands-on work behind rocket engine tests and launches. A typical task: install engines and components on test stands. 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 a Propulsion Test 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.