For Educators: Military Resources
Military Aerospace Engineers
Median Salary
63,005
Workforce Count
45,083
Overview
What are the responsibilities of this role?
Aerospace engineers direct research programs and design military aircraft and aerospace equipment. They serve as aviation technical specialists in air warfare research projects and supervise aircraft design projects from development to evaluation of experimental equipment. They formulate policies and coordinate procurement programs for aircraft and aircraft subsystems, and serve as engineering and technical management liaisons across military branches, contracting organizations, and other government agencies.
What is the work environment like?
Aerospace engineers work in offices or laboratories.
How many people have this role in the Military?
45,083
Compensation
Understanding How Military Pay is More Than Just a Salary
Base pay is the standard income you’ll earn as a service member, providing a stable foundation to start achieving your financial goals.
- Always fixed based on rank and service time.
- Distributed monthly.
What is the typical salary range?
Salary by Years of Service
$109,965
2 Years
$72,159
6 Years
$109,965
10+ Years
Median Salary
Military Details
What Service Branches offer this role?
Is this a staff or leadership role?
Officers are service members who plan, direct operations and manage enlisted personnel, developing a broad range of leadership-related skills.
Learn More About Enlisted and Officer PathsWhat does the training for this role entail?
Aerospace engineers may have an education in engineering. Job training for aerospace engineers primarily consists of on-the-job learning in various training environments, and through receiving advanced civilian/industry certifications and licenses (credentials), which may require additional education, training, or experience. Like other officers, they complete a comprehensive training program covering responsibilities, military structure and etiquette, traditions, and leadership development.
Education
What level of education do professionals in this role have?
Which college majors best prepare you for this role?
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace, Aeronautical, and Astronautical/Space Engineering, General
- Astronautical Engineering
Learn About How Military Can Pay for 100% of your College Degree
The Military has several programs that cover college costs — so you can pursue your education with little to no debt.
Learn More About Paying For CollegeSkills and Interest
What knowledge is essential to bring to the table?
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Design
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
What personality traits help people thrive in this role?
Investigative
You love figuring out how things work and researching subjects that interest you.
Realistic
You love hands-on work and solving practical problems — like fixing things and building stuff.
Conventional
You like structure, staying organized, and working with systems to get things done efficiently.
RIASEC represents six broad interest areas—Realistic, Investigative, Artistic, Social, Enterprising, and Conventional—helping individuals identify careers that match their skills and preferences.
Take the RIASEC Test