Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians: Salary, Job Outlook & How to Become One (2026 Parent Guide)

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians fall under the Architecture and Engineering category in the U.S. occupational classification. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn a median salary of $79,830 per year, ranking in the top 24% of all U.S. occupations. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +8.1% job growth through 2034, projected to grow faster than the US average. Entry into this field typically requires a bachelor's degree, with specific licensing or certification depending on the state and employer. For parents whose teenager is exploring this path, the most actionable step is mapping the education requirements to specific colleges and majors before junior year — not waiting until application season.

What do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians earn?

The median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is $79,830. That puts aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians at #194 on the BLS ranked list of all U.S. occupations by median pay. This salary is above the U.S. median for individual workers and reflects a stable, credentialed occupation. Actual pay varies meaningfully by state, employer type, and years of experience — entry-level salaries are typically 30–40% below the median, while top-decile earners often exceed it by 50% or more.

Is aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians a growing career?

The 10-year outlook for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is +8.1%, projected to grow faster than the US average. Employment is projected to move from approximately 9K positions in 2024 to 10K in 2034, a net change of 1K. Faster-than-average growth means hiring is consistently outpacing the labor market overall. New entrants generally find their first roles faster than peers in stable fields.

What do aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians do every day?

According to O*NET task surveys of working aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians, these are the core responsibilities most professionals perform. This is what your teen would actually be doing in this role.

1. 1.Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
2. 2.Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
3. 3.Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
4. 4.Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
5. 5.Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
6. 6.Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
7. 7.Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
8. 8.Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.

Top skills for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians

O*NET ranks these as the most important skills for this occupation, on a 1–5 importance scale derived from worker surveys.

What education does my child need to become aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician?

The standard path into aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians begins with a bachelor's degree in a related field, followed by entry-level experience or internships during college. For parents helping a teen prepare, the highest-leverage step before junior year is identifying colleges and programs that feed reliably into this occupation — Solyo's college search lets parents filter by major and admissions data side by side.

Related careers your child might also consider

• Computer Hardware Engineers
  $155,020 median
• Petroleum Engineers
  $141,280 median
• Aerospace Engineers
  $134,830 median
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  $127,590 median
• Nuclear Engineers
  $127,520 median
• Chemical Engineers
  $121,860 median

Common questions parents ask about aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians