Aerospace Engineering Salary, Cost Of Training & Certifications In 2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have a career in professions that involve designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles? So, if not, you can begin the career by studying Aerospace Engineering.

In this article, we have put down all you need to know about Aerospace Engineering, its salary, the cost of training and other things.

Basically, aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the research, design, development, construction, testing, science, and technology of aircraft. 

So, to become a successful aerospace engineer, you need to be interested in the field as well as develop necessary skills like going for training and having good academic qualifications to be able to work and earn well.

So, relax and read on! We have put down everything you need to know about aerospace engineering, its salary, and the cost of training.

Before we continue, let’s go through the table of content below to get an overview of what the article entails.

What Is Aerospace Engineering?

Aerospace Engineering is the primary field of engineering that is involved with the development of aircraft and spacecraft.

It is one of the fastest-growing, effective disciplines that focuses on the design, maintenance, and improvement of all types of aircraft, from airplanes to missiles and space shuttles.

Furthermore, there are two major and overlapping branches of aerospace engineering: aeronautical engineering and astronautical engineering. 

Also, there is one similar to aerospace engineering, which is Avionics engineering but deals with the electronics side of aerospace engineering.

You can read this 15 Best Aerospace Engineering Schools in the World | 2023

Who Is An Aerospace Engineer?

An Aerospace engineer is an individual who designs or builds aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft.

Aerospace engineers work primarily for firms that engage in manufacturing, analysis and design, research and development, and for the federal government.

furthermore, Aerospace Engineers often specialize in the area of designing different types of aerospace products, such as commercial and military flights and helicopters, remotely piloted aircraft and rotorcraft, spacecraft, and also military missiles and rockets.

What Are The Duties Of Aerospace Engineering?

Here are the duties of an aerospace engineer.

• Direct and coordinate the design, manufacture, and testing of aircraft and aerospace products
• Assess proposals for projects to determine if they are technically and financially feasible
• Determine if proposed projects will result in safe operations that meet the defined goals
• Evaluate designs to see that the products meet engineering principles, customer requirements, and environmental regulations
• Develop acceptance criteria for design methods, quality standards, sustainment after delivery, and completion dates
• Ensure that projects meet quality standards
• Inspect malfunctioning or damaged products to identify sources of problems and possible solutions.

Why Study Aerospace Engineering?

The engineering industry a multi-billion pound global career market that offers gives job satisfaction, job security, and great potential salaries.

However, with projects crossing countries and continents, aerospace engineers have the opportunity to travel the world and work on exciting new technologies and programs, many of which are designed to make the world a better place.

As an engineering student, you’ll experience a variety that few of your friends at university will be able to match.

Also, the skills you develop in the cost of learning will stand you in good stead for careers in engineering, manufacturing, production, design, automotive, systems, and a whole host of other related sectors.

In addition, a lot of research goes into aerospace engineering. The most beautiful aspect is that these projects are international most of the time as teamwork is the only way to work.

What Is The Job Outlook For Aerospace Engineering?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, show that employment for aerospace engineers is projected to grow 2 percent over the next ten years from 2008 to 2018, which is slower than the average for all occupations.

However, growth in research and development activities will be tempered by a projected decline in the employment of aerospace engineers in the manufacturing industry.

In addition, Job search sites in the US continuous upload of job opportunities for Aerospace engineers are proof that a job awaits you if you earn a degree from an accredited institution.

You can also check this Aerospace vs Aeronautical Engineering: Similarities, Difference & Salary

Where Does an Aerospace Engineer Work?

Aerospace engineers majorly work in industries where they design or build aircraft, missiles, systems for national defense, or spacecraft.

So, here are the list of place where aerospace engineers can work.

• Aerospace and aero-engine companies
• Airline operators
• Research and development organizations
• Contract agencies
• Government agencies like The Ministry of Defence
• Consultancies
• The Civil Service
• The armed forces
• Universities

How Much Does an Aerospace Engineer Earn?

Basically, salary ranges can vary widely depending on the city and many other important factors, which include education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for aerospace engineers is $116,500. That is to say, aerospace engineers earn $56.01 per hour.

What Are The Educational Requirements For An Aerospace Engineer?

To be an aerospace engineer, you need at least a Bachelor’s degree to enter into the field.

Basically in aerospace engineering, some university programs offer 5-year programs that allow students to earn a bachelor’s and master’s degrees at the same time. 

However, the entry-level positions do not require licensure, but more advanced Aerospace Engineering programs will likely demand a Professional Engineer (PE) license.

Although the requirements vary by state, most require an accredited engineering degree, work experience, and passing performance on both the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) and Professional Engineering exams.

Also, taking a managerial position in Aerospace Engineering often requires extensive work experience and shadowing a senior Aerospace Engineer.

In addition,  All Aerospace Engineering programs are accredited by the ABET.

See also: Marketable Careers In Aerospace Engineering In 2023 | Qualifications And Salary

What Is The Cost Of Attending the Aerospace Engineering Program?

Aerospace Engineering is a very lucrative profession that potentially gives a mean annual wage in the six figures for those with experience. 

Going to college is not cheap, so the cost of obtaining an aerospace engineering degree is certainly something that you need to plan for.

Tuition is just one side of the equation. You’ll have to factor in the cost of books and supplies as well as room, board, and personal expenses while you are in school.

In other words, The annual cost of tuition for a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering varies depending on the kind of college, and whether you’ll be attending it in-state or out-of-state.

The tuition can go as low as a little over $8,000(in-state students)& $27,000(out-of-state) in public institutions to over $45,000 for (in-state & out-of-state students) in private universities for in-state students.

In other words, the tuition fee ranges on average for an in-state aerospace engineering degree is $10,500 a year while out-of-state the tuition average would be around $36,500.

Books and fees for an aerospace engineering degree also vary. It ranges from a low of $0 to a high of more than $2,900 annually. Also, housing and food expenses vary for students off-campus which is $23,010 a year based on College Board data.

In addition, you can ask your school’s financial aid office about possible sources of financial aid if you need assistance to fund your education, or you can apply for grants or merit-based or need-based scholarships.

If you don’t qualify for those, you can try getting student loans to fund your aerospace engineering degree. You may also look for part-time work opportunities while you are in school.

You can also read this Aerospace vs Aeronautical Engineering: Similarities, Difference & Salary

Certifications For Aerospace Engineering

Certificates for aerospace engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions.

A license/certified engineer is called professional engineers (PEs). A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one’s career.

A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public.

However, here is of the certifications for professional engineer

Engineers in training (EITs) or engineer interns (EIs) are certified, engineers who take the initial fundamentals of engineering(FE) exam can be taken after earning a bachelor’s degree. Engineers who pass this exam.

Most of these certifications are given by the Federal Aviation Administration or NASA.

The Aerospace Industries Association and the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc are other aerospace engineering associations.

After meeting work experience requirements, EITs and EIs can take the second exam, called the Principles and Practice of Engineering.

Note: Each state issues its own licenses/certificates. Most states recognize licensure from other states, as long as the licensing state’s requirements meet or exceed their own licensure requirements. Several states require continuing education for engineers to keep their licenses.

What Is The Cost Of training For Aerospace Engineering Certificates?

To be a certified aerospace engineer, you must have a bachelor’s degree in any of the best aerospace engineering schools. Then you can apply for the professional exams.

For PE Exams

The PE exam cost varies from state to state (or foreign location). Depending on where you register, fees will be paid directly to NCEES, a state licensing board, or a designee of the board. 

So the total cost PE Exam without course is $1,117.54, while the total PE Exam cost passing on the first try is $767.54. the duration of the exam is between 5-6 hours.

Then for The Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam which is generally your first step in the process of becoming a professional licensed engineer (P.E.).

The exam is designed for recent graduates and students who are close to finishing an undergraduate engineering degree from an EAC/ABET-accredited program.

The FE exam is a computer-based exam administered year-round at NCEES-approved Pearson VUE test centers.

Furthermore, The FE exam includes 110 questions. The exam appointment time is 6 hours long. The FE exam costs $175, which is to be paid directly to NCEES. 

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, Aerospace engineering is one of the fastest-growing, effective disciplines that focuses on designing, maintaining, and improving many aircraft, from airplanes to missiles and space shuttles.

So, to become a successful aerospace engineer, you will need to be interested in the field as well as develop necessary skills like going for training and having good academic qualifications to work and earn well.

I believe this article on Aerospace engineering gives you all you need to know.

FAQS

REFERENCE

• wikipedia.org– Aerospace Engineering
• ucas.com– Aerospace Engineering
• bls.gov
• environmentalscience.org
• collegegrad.com

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