How to Become an Aerospace Engineer

This lucrative job serves as the foundation of aviation design.

John McDermott

Thursday, May 14, 2026 at 09:09 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

GE Aerospace said it planned to hire more than 900 engineers in 2024. [Credit: GA Aerospace]

Key Takeaways:

Aerospace engineers are essential for designing, testing, and maintaining technologies for aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles, making safe and regular flight possible.
The path to becoming an aerospace engineer typically involves a four-year degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, often supplemented by advanced degrees and internships.
Career opportunities are diverse, spanning private sector roles with manufacturers and airlines, as well as government positions with agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense.
The profession offers significant financial rewards, with a median annual salary around $130,000, and is described as challenging, rewarding, and at the cutting edge of technology.

See a mistake? Contact us.

Learning how airplanes fly is an essential part of aviation. Pilots and mechanics alike must know how their aircraft work, and the mechanics of flight are regularly a subject of discussion in popular media, the news, and even advertising.

Designing and maintaining aircraft is a central question in any aviation company. Aerospace engineers are well-equipped to solve any problem that arises, whether for manufacturers working to make flight possible to the operators who must ensure safe flight on a day-to-day basis.