by our College Data Analytics TeamA major in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology explores Aeronautical/aerospace Engineering Technology/technician. A Program That Prepares Individuals To Apply Basic Engineering Principles And Technical Skills In Support Of Engineers And Other Professionals Engaged In Developing, Manufacturing And Testing Aircraft, Spacecraft And Their Systems. Includes Instruction In Aircraft/spacecraft Systems Technology, Design And Development Testing, Prototype And Operational Testing, Inspection And Maintenance Procedures, Instrument Calibration, Test Equipment Operation And Maintenance, And Report Preparation. Read on to learn the important information every aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology major should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology programs.
In the U.S., aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology is a popular field of study, with 1,144 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 29 schools to determine the best overall colleges for aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology programs later in this article.
Programs in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology develop a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills emphasized by a aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
According to O*NET, a aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 290 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 224 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 274 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 356 |
People currently working in careers related to aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 43.5% |
| Postsecondary certificate | 27.7% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 12.5% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 12.5% |
| Some college courses | 2.7% |
| Master’s degree | 1.0% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
Studying aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology opens doors to many career paths. Below are some of the most common occupations related to aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
| Mechanical Drafters | 127,074 | 12.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. Earnings tend to climb as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $58,128 |
| 4 years | $66,942 |
| 5 years | $75,102 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Drafters | $78,252 |
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
With 29 different aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering aeronautical/aerospace engineering technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
