General
Aerospace Engineering
Data derived specifically from PUMS raw data for Aerospace Engineering.
Entry Level Salary
$69,764
Median Salary
$143,470
Unemployment Rate
2.4%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
19.2%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $5,738,800
Entry (Early)
$69,764
Median (Prime)
$143,470
High (Prime)
$157,570
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
+160k
+753k
+865k
$25k / yr
+70k
+663k
+775k
$50k / yr
-20k
+573k
+685k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
29
24
23
$25k / yr
41
26
25
$50k / yr
Never
28
27
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
∞
∞
∞
$25k / yr
65%
610%
713%
$50k / yr
-9%
264%
315%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate47%
Analysis: A large percentage of students in this field pursue Master's or Doctoral degrees to maximize earnings.
Top Professions
Aerospace engineers
17.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$118,703|$134,830
openings
4,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Software developers
8.6% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$80,104
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$125,000|$133,080
openings
115,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +15.8%
Engineers, All Other
7.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$74,970
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$124,950|N/A
openings
N/A /yr
Growth (10yr): N/A
Management occupations
6.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$82,592
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$162,072|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Aircraft pilots and flight engineers
5.3% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$71,735
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$145,775|$198,100
openings
18,200 /yr
Growth (10yr): +4.3%
Mechanical engineers
3.9% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$79,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$96,842|$102,320
openings
18,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): +9.1%
Civil engineers
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$76,534
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$112,550|$99,590
openings
23,600 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5%
Architectural and engineering managers
2.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$95,571
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$164,323|$167,740
openings
14,500 /yr
Growth (10yr): +3.8%
Postsecondary teachers
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$31,238
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$73,158|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Industrial engineers, including health and safety
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$78,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$95,795|$101,490
openings
26,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): +10.6%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering. | Bachelor's Degree | 67 | $83,057 - $125,514 |
| aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering. | Master's Degree | 60 | $95,171 - $165,562 |
| aerospace, aeronautical, and astronautical/space engineering. | Doctoral Degree | 35 | $134,630 - $134,630 |