How much does a aerospace engineer make?

In the US, pay can rise with experience, in-demand skills, and credentials such as a PE license; employers and industries also pay differently. Location, a specialty such as aircraft or spacecraft design, and extra hours spent solving project problems can matter too.

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

What's a typical day like?

They use computers to design aircraft or spacecraft and check whether a design follows engineering principles. They also build and test prototypes to see if they work as planned.

In the US, take math, physics, and chemistry in high school, then earn a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Entry-level jobs do not require a license; later, engineers can earn a state PE license by passing exams and gaining work experience.

Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)

Good for people who like figuring things out and building and doing.

NASA engineers use special paint on rocket models to make airflow and pressure visible during wind-tunnel tests.