Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
SOC Code: 17-3021
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians carries a 29% AI exposure score (Medium automation risk), with a median annual wage of $79,830 and +8.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 9,300 workers. Full task breakdown, skills, and employer data are below.
Proportion of tasks susceptible to AI automation (O*NET analysis)
AI Exposure vs Industry Growth
Total occupations tracked
832
Covering all SOC major groups
Data currency
2024
BLS Employment Projections
AI exposure avg
40%
Fleet-wide median across all roles
Composite score weighing O*NET task data completeness, BLS projection methodology, and cross-validation with employer risk grades.
Employment Projections
Occupation Insight
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians (SOC 17-3021) carries an AI exposure score of 29%, placing it in the Medium automation-risk tier. This score is computed from O*NET Database 30.0 task-level analysis, where each task an occupation performs is evaluated against current generative AI, robotic process automation, and machine-learning capabilities. A score below 40% reflects tasks anchored in physical dexterity, unstructured environments, or high-touch human interaction that current AI cannot reliably replicate.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 9,300 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +8.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $79,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Associate's degree, plus None of related experience.
For career planners, this profile should be read alongside the task, skill, and knowledge breakdowns below and the list of employers whose workforce composition includes Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians. Adjacent occupations shown further down offer lateral moves that preserve industry knowledge while potentially reducing exposure. Pair the AI exposure score with the BLS employment projection and wage percentiles above for a complete career assessment.
Education & Entry Requirements
Top Tasks (O*NET)
- 1. Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- 2. Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- 3. Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- 4. Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- 5. Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- 6. Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
- 7. Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
- 8. Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- 9. Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
- 10. Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Operations Monitoring
- Quality Control Analysis
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Complex Problem Solving
- Troubleshooting
- Judgment and Decision Making
- Writing
Knowledge Areas
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Production and Processing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Administrative
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Education and Training
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians has an AI exposure score of 29%, indicating a medium level of automation risk. The majority of tasks in this role require human judgment, creativity, or physical presence that AI cannot easily replicate.
What is the job outlook for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is projected to grow by 8.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 9,300 workers.
What skills are needed for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
Key skills for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Operations Monitoring, and others. Typical entry-level education is Associate's degree.
How much do Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians earn?
The median annual wage for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is $79,830, according to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Actual earnings vary by location, experience, industry, and employer. The BLS publishes detailed wage percentiles by region in its Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics program.
What education is required for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
The typical entry-level education for Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is Associate's degree. Employers generally expect None of related work experience. On-the-job training typically involves None. Requirements can vary by employer and specialization.
Which companies employ Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians?
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians roles exist across many industries and employers. Workforce composition is estimated from BLS industry-occupation employment distributions matched to SEC-registered public companies.
AI Exposure Rating
Medium automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. Most tasks require human judgment and are resistant to automation.
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Data sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections 2024–2034 and O*NET Database 30.0. Employment figures are rounded. Wage data from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics (OES).