For those captivated by the mechanics of flight and the final frontier of space, a career as an aerospace technician offers a direct, hands-on role in shaping the future of aviation and astronautics. This profession is not only intellectually stimulating but also financially rewarding. If you're considering this dynamic career path, one of your primary questions is likely: what can I expect to earn?
This guide provides a data-driven look at the aerospace technician salary, exploring the national averages and the key factors that can significantly boost your income. With a median salary often exceeding $77,000 and top earners reaching close to six figures, this career provides a stable and prosperous future for detail-oriented individuals with a passion for technology.
What Does an Aerospace Technician Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, let's clarify the role. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians are the skilled professionals who build, install, test, maintain, and repair aircraft and spacecraft. They are the crucial link between engineering designs and functional reality.
Working from detailed blueprints and technical orders, their responsibilities include:
- Assembling and installing aircraft and spacecraft components, from structural frames to complex propulsion systems.
- Operating and maintaining advanced testing equipment for wind tunnels, structural integrity tests, and flight simulators.
- Calibrating and troubleshooting electronic systems (avionics), instrumentation, and computer-controlled equipment.
- Documenting processes, recording test data, and reporting findings to engineers and project managers.
They are the hands-on experts ensuring that every system is safe, reliable, and ready for its mission, whether that's crossing the globe or traveling to the stars.
Average Aerospace Technician Salary
When analyzing compensation, it's essential to look at both the median salary and the typical range, as this provides a complete picture of earning potential from entry-level to senior positions.
According to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technicians was $77,530 as of May 2023. This means that half of all technicians earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
Leading salary aggregators provide further insight into the typical pay scale:
- Salary.com reports a median salary of approximately $76,400, with a common range falling between $66,900 and $85,200.
- Payscale estimates the average base salary around $70,000, with a total pay range (including bonuses) stretching from $52,000 to over $100,000.
- Glassdoor places the average total pay at $81,500 per year, combining an average base salary of $72,000 with additional pay like cash bonuses and profit sharing.
The takeaway is clear: while a starting technician can expect a competitive salary, there is significant room for financial growth throughout your career.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary will be determined by a blend of factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your earning potential.
### Level of Education
A solid educational foundation is the launchpad for an aerospace technician career. The standard entry-level requirement is an associate's degree in a relevant field like aerospace technology, aviation maintenance, or electronics technology. However, further education and certifications can directly impact your paycheck.
- Associate's Degree: This is the industry standard and qualifies you for most entry-level positions.
- Bachelor's Degree: While not always required, a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering technology or a related field can open doors to higher-level technician roles, supervisory positions, and a faster pathway to becoming an engineer, all of which come with higher salaries.
- Certifications: Obtaining an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is highly valuable, particularly for those working on commercial or private aircraft. Specialized certifications in areas like composite materials, avionics, or non-destructive testing (NDT) can also make you a more valuable candidate and justify a higher salary.
### Years of Experience
Experience is one of the most significant drivers of salary growth. As you accumulate hands-on skills and a proven track record, your value to an employer increases dramatically.
- Entry-Level (0-5 years): Technicians new to the field typically earn at the lower end of the scale, often in the $55,000 to $65,000 range. The focus during this period is on learning foundational skills and company procedures.
- Mid-Career (5-10 years): With solid experience, technicians can expect to earn closer to the national median, typically between $65,000 and $80,000. They can handle more complex tasks with less supervision.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Senior technicians with deep expertise, leadership skills, and specialized knowledge can command salaries at the high end of the spectrum, often $85,000 to $100,000+. These professionals may lead teams, manage complex projects, or serve as subject matter experts.
### Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries often reflect the concentration of aerospace industry activity and the regional cost of living. States with major aerospace and defense contractors, research facilities, or government installations tend to offer higher pay.
According to BLS data and industry reports, some of the top-paying states for aerospace technicians include:
- California: Home to companies like SpaceX, Northrop Grumman, and numerous R&D firms.
- Washington: The hub for Boeing's commercial aircraft manufacturing.
- Maryland: Proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors.
- Virginia: A major center for government and private defense contractors.
- Colorado: A growing hub for space exploration and satellite companies.
Working in a major metropolitan area within these states will generally yield a higher salary than a rural location, though it will also come with a higher cost of living.
### Company Type
The type of organization you work for plays a crucial role in your compensation package.
- Private Aerospace & Defense Contractors: Large, publicly traded companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Raytheon (RTX), and Northrop Grumman are often the top-paying employers. They compete fiercely for talent and typically offer robust salaries and comprehensive benefits packages.
- Government Agencies: Working for an agency like NASA or the Department of Defense (DoD) provides excellent job security and outstanding federal benefits, including pensions. While base salaries may sometimes be slightly less than the top private firms, the overall compensation package is highly competitive.
- Innovative Startups and Space Exploration Companies: Companies like SpaceX, Blue Origin, and Sierra Space are at the cutting edge of the industry. They often attract talent with competitive salaries and unique benefits like stock options, though the work environment can be more fast-paced.
- Research & Development (R&D) Labs: These roles focus on testing and prototyping new technologies. They offer a chance to work on groundbreaking projects and are often affiliated with universities or government contracts.
### Area of Specialization
Within the broader field of aerospace technology, certain specializations are in higher demand and can command a premium salary.
- Avionics Technicians: These experts work on the complex electronic systems of an aircraft or spacecraft, including navigation, communication, and flight control systems. Given the increasing complexity of modern avionics, this is a highly sought-after and well-compensated specialty.
- Propulsion Technicians: Specializing in jet engines, rocket motors, and other propulsion systems requires a high level of skill and adherence to safety protocols, making it a valuable expertise.
- Composites Technicians: As aircraft and spacecraft increasingly use advanced, lightweight composite materials, technicians skilled in fabricating and repairing them are in high demand.
- Instrumentation and Test Technicians: These professionals are crucial for the R&D process, setting up and monitoring the sensors and data acquisition systems used in wind tunnels and structural tests.
Job Outlook
The future for aerospace technicians is stable and essential. The BLS projects about 2,900 openings for aerospace engineering and operations technicians each year, on average, over the decade from 2022 to 2032.
While the overall growth rate of 2% is considered slower than the average for all occupations, this figure doesn't tell the whole story. The need to replace workers who retire or transfer to other occupations ensures a consistent demand for new, qualified technicians. The aerospace industry is fundamental to national defense, global transportation, and scientific discovery, making it a resilient and enduring field.
Conclusion: Launching Your Career
A career as an aerospace technician is a gateway to a future filled with innovation and purpose. The financial outlook is strong, with an average salary well above the national median and clear pathways for significant income growth.
To maximize your earning potential, focus on these key takeaways:
- Build a strong foundation with an associate's degree and pursue valuable certifications like an A&P license.
- Gain diverse experience to move from an entry-level position to a highly-paid senior role.
- Be strategic about your location and employer, targeting industry hubs and leading companies.
- Develop a specialization in a high-demand area like avionics or composites.
For those with a meticulous eye for detail and a passion for making things fly, a career as an aerospace technician is a launchpad to a stable, rewarding, and prosperous future.