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Aerospace Technicians

Aerospace technicians are responsible for the operation and maintenance of aircraft and the equipment that is used when aircraft or spacecraft are tested.

Schools and Degrees

Employers generally require candidates to complete a 2-year associate's degree in an aerospace-related field. In some cases they may require candidates to possess an associate of science or bachelor's degree with specific vocational training.

Job Requirements

These professionals must have the ability to identify and solve technical problems and perform root-cause analysis. They should be able to understand and effectively express themselves both orally and in writing. Upon completion of training, they should be able to use the specialized tools and complicated equipment of the trade.

Nature of Work

Technicians working in the aerospace industry perform tasks such as calibrating test equipment like wind tunnels, and determining the reasons for malfunctioning equipment. They work in association with aeronautic engineers, airframe and power mechanics (also known as A&P Mechanics) and with avionics technicians. They may need to discuss the procedures used for equipment tests with engineers to ensure that they understand the test theory and can correctly interpret results. Often, they have to install and remove the parts that are to be tested in the test equipment. Aeronautic technicians will interpret the data that they gather while carrying out their tests, and may communicate this to other team members and to management. These tests are conducted in simulated operational conditions and the aerospace technicians also must determine whether equipment to be used for this purpose is functioning properly before proceeding.

These professionals usually work 40 hours a week in laboratories, airport or industrial environments. In some work situations they may be exposed to potentially hazardous conditions, but accidents are rare if established procedures are strictly followed.

Job Numbers and Growth

Aerospace techs in the US number about 9,000. Workers generally expect a low unemployment rate. There were about 3% of employees without jobs in 2008.

Area Job Conditions

Where are jobs most numerous? Wichita (Kansas), Lafayette (Indiana), and Fort Worth (Texas). Least common? Santa Ana (California), Dallas (Texas), and Phoenix (Arizona).

Salaries vary across the country, from highest in Fort Worth (Texas), Bridgeport (Connecticut), and Cincinnati (Ohio) to lowest in New Haven (Connecticut), Lafayette (Indiana), and Dayton (Ohio).

Training and Education

Obtaining an associate degree will help job seekers. Aerospace techs with four or more years of college are 18% of the total. An estimated 54% of workers attended college at some level but did not pursue a 4-year degree. High school was enough education for 27% of employees. Recommended schools are shown in the column to the right; request information from them to help you decide which if any could help you with this career.

Part-Time Work and Self-Employment

Whether by choice or necessity, 6% of aerospace techs work part-time. About 1% of workers do not work for a company or organization.

Aerospace Techs by Metropolitan Area (city and its surroundings)

In the table below, a Job Density near 0% means the area has an average number of people in this occupation, for its population. A higher or lower Job Density (e.g., +22% or -45%) tells you there are that many more or fewer workers of that type there than in the average US metro area. So, the higher the number, the more common the occupation.

Arizona

California

Colorado

Connecticut

Indiana

Kansas

Missouri

New York

Ohio

Texas

Virginia

Washington