How much does a aerospace technician make?

In the U.S., experience, in-demand skills, and optional specialty certificates can affect pay. Employer and industry, location, task complexity, and responsibility also matter; some projects require shifts or overtime, which can change total earnings.

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.

What's a typical day like?

In a lab or factory, they attach sensors to aircraft parts, set up test gear, then run system tests or simulations. They watch readings, fix faults, record results, and discuss them with engineers.

In the U.S., a common path is to earn an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field after high school. Some employers accept a high-school diploma or certificate; registered apprenticeships are another route.

Vocational school or a few years' experience (preparation level 3 of 5)

Good for people who like building and doing and keeping things organized.

At NASA Langley, technicians watch tests in the Western Hemisphere’s only operating wind tunnel where free-flying scale models study aircraft spins.