Aerospace engineers
SOC Code: 17-2011
Aerospace engineers carries a 45% AI exposure score (High automation risk), with a median annual wage of $134,830 and +6.1% projected employment growth from 2024 to 2034 (BLS), affecting approximately 71,600 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 engineers (SOC 17-2011) carries an AI exposure score of 45%, placing it in the High 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 in the 40–70% range indicates meaningful automation pressure on specific task categories, but the role as a whole still requires human judgment for coordination, exception handling, or client interaction.
The economic context matters alongside the risk score. BLS counted approximately 71,600 workers in this occupation in 2024, and projects a +6.1% change through 2034 — modest growth that keeps the occupation viable even as tasks evolve. Median annual compensation stands at $134,830, reflecting both skill scarcity and the value employers place on the tasks that remain difficult to automate. Entry typically requires Bachelor'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 engineers. 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. Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- 2. Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- 3. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- 4. Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- 5. Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- 6. Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- 7. Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- 8. Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- 9. Direct aerospace research and development programs.
- 10. Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
Key Skills Required
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Science
- Active Listening
- Writing
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Complex Problem Solving
- Operations Analysis
- Monitoring
Knowledge Areas
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mechanical
- Production and Processing
- Transportation
- Administration and Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Will AI replace Aerospace engineers?
Aerospace engineers has an AI exposure score of 45%, indicating a high level of automation risk. Some tasks in this role can be augmented or partially automated by AI, but core responsibilities require human judgment.
What is the job outlook for Aerospace engineers?
According to BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034, Aerospace engineers is projected to grow by 6.1% over the decade. Current employment stands at approximately 71,600 workers.
What skills are needed for Aerospace engineers?
Key skills for Aerospace engineers include Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Science, and others. Typical entry-level education is Bachelor's degree.
How much do Aerospace engineers earn?
The median annual wage for Aerospace engineers is $134,830, 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 engineers?
The typical entry-level education for Aerospace engineers is Bachelor'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 engineers?
Aerospace engineers 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
High automation risk based on 10 analyzed tasks. A moderate share of tasks may be augmented by AI tools.
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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).