High Paying Careers: Aerospace Engineer

Fast Facts

Median U.S. Total Pay: $122,270 / year
Typical Entry‑Level Degree: Bachelor's in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics
Growth Outlook (2022‑32): +6% (Faster than average)
Top Work Settings: Aircraft Manufacturers, Space Companies, Defense Contractors, Government Agencies
Why It's a High Salary Career: The specialized skills needed to design aircraft and spacecraft that can safely operate under extreme conditions command premium compensation.

Introduction

Aerospace engineering sits at the intersection of innovation and precision, offering careers that literally soar. These professionals design everything from commercial airliners to Mars rovers, making this one of the most exciting high paying jobs in the STEM field. For students fascinated by flight and space exploration, this career combines cutting-edge technology with exceptional compensation.

What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?

• Aircraft/Spacecraft Design: Create blueprints and specifications for flying vehicles—central to these good paying jobs.
• Propulsion Systems: Develop and test engines that power flight through air and space.
• Structural Analysis: Ensure vehicles can withstand extreme conditions while remaining lightweight.
• Aerodynamics Research: Optimize shapes for efficient movement through atmospheres.
• Systems Integration: Coordinate complex electronic, mechanical, and software components.

Mini‑Case: An aerospace engineer at SpaceX redesigned a rocket component to withstand reentry heat, enabling reusable rockets and cutting launch costs by 90%—demonstrating why this high salary career drives innovation.

Who Excels as an Aerospace Engineer?

Mathematical Mind: Complex physics equations govern flight dynamics.
Creative Problem-Solver: Unprecedented challenges require innovative solutions.
Detail-Oriented: In aerospace, small errors can have catastrophic consequences.
Team Collaborator: Modern aerospace projects involve hundreds of specialized engineers.
Systems Thinker: Understanding how components interact is critical for success.

If these qualities resonate with you, aerospace engineering might be your ideal career that pays the most while satisfying intellectual curiosity.

High‑School Prep

1. Courses: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Chemistry, Computer Science.
2. Clubs & Activities:
   • Robotics teams and competitions.
   • Model rocketry or drone clubs.
   • Science Olympiad or physics competitions.
3. Projects:
   • Build and test model aircraft or rockets.
   • Participate in NASA student design challenges.
   • Create simulation software for flight dynamics.

These experiences create strong foundations for high paying majors in aerospace engineering.

Educational Pathways

1. Bachelor's Degree: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or Physics—considered challenging but easy good paying degrees for those with strong STEM abilities.
2. Internships: NASA, Boeing, SpaceX, Lockheed Martin, or similar organizations.
3. Master's Degree (Optional): Specialization in aerodynamics, propulsion, structures, or controls.
4. Professional Engineer License: Required for some positions, especially those serving the public.

Salary Potential

• Median Annual Wage: $122,270 (Bureau of Labor Statistics).
• Top Industries: Aerospace products manufacturing ($133,180), federal government ($124,430), engineering services ($121,680).
• Senior Aerospace Engineers: Can exceed $160,000, with specialists in critical systems reaching $200,000+—confirming this as one of the careers that pay the most in engineering.

Top Locations

Washington, DC: $151,410 - NASA, defense contractors, government agencies
California: $148,330 - SpaceX, NASA JPL, many defense companies
Colorado: $136,220 - Space Command, Lockheed Martin space division
Texas: $131,090 - NASA Johnson Space Center, aviation industry
Alabama: $128,330 - NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, defense sector

Day‑in‑the‑Life Snapshot

8:00 AM: Review test data from previous day's wind tunnel experiment.
9:30 AM: Team meeting to discuss design changes for wing components.
11:00 AM: Run computational fluid dynamics simulations.
1:00 PM: Collaborate with materials engineers on composite selections.
2:30 PM: Troubleshoot issues with landing gear deployment mechanism.
4:00 PM: Document design specifications for manufacturing team.
5:00 PM: Analyze competitor aircraft performance characteristics.

Career Progression

1. Junior Aerospace Engineer (0-2 yrs) – Work on specific components under supervision.
2. Aerospace Engineer (2-5 yrs) – Lead design efforts for subsystems.
3. Senior Aerospace Engineer (5-10 yrs) – Oversee major systems and mentor junior engineers.
4. Principal Engineer (10-15 yrs) – Direct technical aspects of large programs.
5. Technical Fellow/Chief Engineer – Top-tier high paying jobs shaping entire aircraft or spacecraft programs.

AI's Impact on Aerospace Engineering

While AI accelerates design iterations and optimizes simulations, the safety-critical nature of aerospace means human engineers remain essential. Engineers who harness AI tools for generative design and predictive maintenance become more valuable, ensuring this stays among the most future-proof good paying jobs in engineering.

Free Learning Resources

• NASA STEM Engagement – Educational resources and opportunities.
• MIT OpenCourseWare – Free aerospace engineering lectures and materials.
• edX Aerospace Courses – University-level content from leading institutions.
• FlightLiteracy – Fundamentals of aerodynamics and flight mechanics.
• Open Aircraft – Open-source aircraft design and simulation tools.

FAQs

Is aerospace engineering all about rockets and fighter jets? A: While those are high-profile projects, aerospace engineers also work on commercial airliners, drones, helicopters, satellites, and even renewable energy systems like wind turbines.

Do I need to be a math genius? A: Strong mathematical abilities are important, but modern computational tools handle the most complex calculations. Understanding physical principles and how to apply them matters more than raw mathematical talent.

Can I work in aerospace without a security clearance? A: Yes, particularly in commercial aviation, space exploration, and academic research. However, defense projects often require clearances, expanding opportunities in this high salary career.

How GoodGoblin Can Help

GoodGoblin assists students interested in high-paying majors and easy-paying degrees by providing personalized guidance tailored to their strengths, interests, and goals. It helps students identify educational pathways, find easy good paying degrees, and navigate the complexities of career planning, positioning them for successful entry into high-paying careers like Aerospace Engineering.

Conclusion

For those fascinated by flight and space exploration, aerospace engineering offers intellectual challenges, tangible impact, and exceptional compensation as one of today's premier high paying jobs. Begin building your foundation in physics and mathematics now, and let GoodGoblin guide your journey from aspiring student to aerospace innovator.