Aerospace Engineering Technology: Program Overview, Universities, Careers & Salaries
Program Overview
Prepared for a dynamic career at the intersection of engineering and advanced aerospace systems, this program equips students with the foundational technical expertise needed to support professionals in the design, production, and validation of aircraft and spacecraft. Grounded in applied science and hands-on practice, the curriculum emphasizes real-world problem-solving in complex aerospace environments.
- Aircraft and spacecraft systems technology: Explores the integration and function of core components such as propulsion, avionics, structural systems, and environmental controls within aerospace vehicles.
- Design and development testing: Focuses on methodologies for evaluating conceptual and engineered designs under simulated operational conditions to ensure performance and safety.
- Prototype and operational testing: Involves structured evaluation of early-stage models and fully functional systems to validate reliability, durability, and compliance with engineering standards.
- Inspection and maintenance procedures: Teaches systematic protocols for assessing airworthiness, identifying defects, and performing corrective actions to maintain operational integrity.
- Instrument calibration: Covers the precise adjustment and verification of measurement devices to ensure data accuracy during testing and in-flight monitoring.
- Test equipment operation and maintenance: Provides training in the use, troubleshooting, and upkeep of specialized tools and instrumentation critical to aerospace testing environments.
- Report preparation: Develops skills in documenting test results, analyzing performance data, and communicating findings with clarity and technical rigor.
Aerospace Engineering Technology Graduate Trends (2010-2024)
Aerospace Engineering Technology Career Pathways & Salary Outlook
The following table presents salary data for occupations typically aligned with Aerospace Engineering Technology degrees, including Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians and Mechanical Drafters. These career paths represent common employment outcomes but are not guaranteed for all graduates. Salary ranges vary by location, employer, experience level, and specific role requirements. Nationally, these occupations employ approximately 48,960 professionals.
National Average Salaries
| Occupation | Median Salary | Salary Range | Total Employment | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians 17-3021 | $79,830 | $53,730 - $120,440 | 9,060 | $38.38 |
| Mechanical Drafters 17-3013 | $68,510 | $46,500 - $107,600 | 39,900 | $32.94 |
Aerospace Engineering Technology Salary Map by State
Geographic location significantly impacts earning potential for these careers. Average salaries range from $51,270 in South Dakota to $105,850 in Alaska—a 106% difference. The highest-paying states include Alaska, Colorado, and Washington. Nationwide, these occupations employ over 48,960 professionals across all states. Explore the interactive map below to compare regional compensation and identify optimal markets for your career goals.
Average Salary Range:
Top Universities for Aerospace Engineering Technology by Graduate Enrollment
Below are the top 29 institutions offering Aerospace Engineering Technology programs for the 2023-2024 academic year (the most recent data reported as of 2025), ranked by the number of graduates. The highest graduate enrollment in Aerospace Engineering Technology is found at Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) (267 graduates), American Public University System (APUS) (187 graduates), Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (104 graduates), Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) (91 graduates), and Bishop State Community College (BSCC) (85 graduates). Combined, these colleges produced 1,144 graduates across all degree levels. Program availability varies by award level, including Associate, Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees at participating universities and schools.
| College Name | Award Levels | Graduates | Location | Control | Website |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) |
Certificate (≥2 yrs)
Associate's
|
267 | West Mifflin, Pennsylvania | Private | pia.edu |
| American Public University System (APUS) |
Associate's
Bachelor's
Postbac Cert.
Master's
Other Award
|
187 | Charles Town, West Virginia | Private | apus.edu |
| Purdue University (PU) |
Bachelor's
|
104 | West Lafayette, Indiana | Public | purdue.edu |
| Tulsa Technology Center (Tulsa Tech) |
Other Award
|
91 | Tulsa, Oklahoma | Public | tulsatech.edu |
| Bishop State Community College (BSCC) |
Other Award
|
85 | Mobile, Alabama | Public | bishop.edu |
| Eastern Florida State College (EFSC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
85 | Melbourne, Florida | Public | easternflorida.edu |
| Cincinnati State Technical and Community College (CSTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
82 | Cincinnati, Ohio | Public | cincinnatistate.edu |
| Nunez Community College |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
43 | Chalmette, Louisiana | Public | nunez.edu |
| Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University |
Bachelor's
|
28 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Private | worldwide.erau.edu |
| Wichita State University (WSU Tech) |
Other Award
|
26 | Wichita, Kansas | Public | wsutech.edu |
| University of Puerto Rico (UPRAg) |
Associate's
|
25 | Aguadilla, Puerto Rico | Public | uprag.edu |
| LeTourneau University (LETU) |
Bachelor's
|
24 | Longview, Texas | Private | letu.edu |
| Guilford Technical Community College (GTCC) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Associate's
Other Award
|
23 | Jamestown, North Carolina | Public | gtcc.edu |
| Western Technical College |
Associate's
|
14 | El Paso, Texas | Private | westerntech.edu |
| Columbus State Community College (CSCC) |
Associate's
|
13 | Columbus, Ohio | Public | cscc.edu |
| Utah State University (USU) |
Bachelor's
|
13 | Logan, Utah | Public | usu.edu |
| Idaho State University (ISU) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
Other Award
|
11 | Pocatello, Idaho | Public | isu.edu |
| Gulf Coast State College (GCSC) |
Associate's
|
4 | Panama City, Florida | Public | gulfcoast.edu |
| Pennsylvania College of Technology |
Bachelor's
|
4 | Williamsport, Pennsylvania | Public | pct.edu |
| Kent State University |
Bachelor's
|
3 | Kent, Ohio | Public | kent.edu |
| Middle Georgia State University (MGA) |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
3 | Macon, Georgia | Public | mga.edu |
| Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) |
Bachelor's
|
2 | Cape Girardeau, Missouri | Public | semo.edu |
| University of the District of Columbia (UDC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Washington, District of Columbia | Public | udc.edu |
| Daytona State College (DSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Daytona Beach, Florida | Public | daytonastate.edu |
| Pasco-Hernando State College (PHSC) |
Associate's
|
1 | New Port Richey, Florida | Public | phsc.edu |
| New Mexico State University |
Certificate (1-2 yrs)
|
1 | Las Cruces, New Mexico | Public | dacc.nmsu.edu |
| Mohawk Valley Community College (MVCC) |
Associate's
|
1 | Utica, New York | Public | mvcc.edu |
| Tennessee State University (TSU) |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Nashville, Tennessee | Public | tnstate.edu |
| Fairmont State University |
Bachelor's
|
1 | Fairmont, West Virginia | Public | fairmontstate.edu |
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to the most common questions about Aerospace Engineering Technology programs
How much can I earn with a Aerospace Engineering Technology degree?
Salaries for Aerospace Engineering Technology graduates vary by role and location. Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn a median of $79,830 annually, while Mechanical Drafters earn around $68,510. Geographic location significantly impacts earnings—professionals in Alaska average $105,850 compared to $51,270 in South Dakota. Approximately 48,960 professionals work in related occupations nationwide.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS program, May 2024. Earnings vary by experience, employer, and market conditions.
Which universities have the largest Aerospace Engineering Technology programs?
Currently 29 accredited institutions offer Aerospace Engineering Technology degrees across the U.S. Programs with the highest enrollment include Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics (PIA) (267 graduates), American Public University System (APUS) (187 graduates), and Purdue University (PU), Main Campus (104 graduates).
Program size doesn't necessarily indicate quality—consider factors like faculty expertise, production opportunities, location, and available degree levels when choosing a school.
Data based on IPEDS program completions for 2023-2024 academic year. Numbers reflect programs where students graduated.
Is enrollment in Aerospace Engineering Technology growing or declining?
Graduate numbers have increased over the past decade, rising from 478 in 2010 to 1,144 in 2023-24. This represents a 139% increase overall from 2010.
The field remains specialized with steady interest, though opportunities are most concentrated in major metropolitan areas with active arts scenes like New York, California, and Illinois.
Graduate enrollment data from IPEDS, 2010-2024 academic years. Trends reflect reported completions at participating institutions.
What career paths are available with a Aerospace Engineering Technology degree?
This degree prepares you for roles such as Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, Mechanical Drafters, . Related occupations employ approximately 48,960 professionals nationwide.
Skills in project management, creative leadership, and collaboration also transfer to event planning, arts administration, marketing, and corporate training roles. Many professionals work freelance or on a project basis across theatre, film, and live events.
Career pathways mapped using CIP-SOC crosswalk from the National Center for Education Statistics. Employment data from BLS OEWS May 2024.
Related Eng. Technologies Programs
Explore similar degree programs within the Eng. Technologies field. These programs share the same academic discipline and may offer complementary skills and career pathways.
Environmental Control Technologies
Any instructional program in environmental control technologies not listed above.
Plastics and Polymer Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing...
Metallurgical Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and metallurgists engaged in developing and...
Industrial Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of industrial engineers and managers. Includes instruction in...
Manufacturing Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the identification and resolution of production problems in the...
Welding Engineering Technology
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to the design and engineering of welding and joining systems...