Both the public and private sectors employ aerospace technicians to build, test, and maintain the electrical and electronic systems of both airborne and spacecraft. They might be involved in the installation, maintenance, or quality control of systems for either commercial spacecraft or aircraft.
The career path of an aerospace technician is extraordinary and amazing. This article will take you through it all.
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What Do Aerospace Technicians Do?
Technicians in aerospace engineering and operations run and maintain the machinery required to test brand-new airplanes and spacecraft. These employees are increasingly needed to build and manage computer simulations that evaluate new ideas.
Their efforts play a crucial role in avoiding the failure of vital components in modern airplanes, spacecraft, and missiles. Additionally, they support the operation, testing, and quality control of high-tech machinery used in the manufacture of aircraft and the systems that power those aircraft.
Getting Into the Aerospace Industry
An associate’s degree in engineering technology is often preferred by organizations when hiring aeronautical engineering and operations technicians. Future technicians may also obtain certificates or diplomas from technical or vocational schools.
For projects involving the nation’s defense, some aerospace engineering and operations technicians require security clearances. For some types and levels of clearance, U.S. citizenship may be necessary.
Career Paths for Aerospace Technicians
Along with changing up your job search, it might be beneficial to think about a career path for your employment. You can inquire about a job path. Our career paths are particularly detailed with respect to pay fluctuations. Therefore, if you began in the position of technician, you might eventually advance to one such as an engineer. In the future, you might hold the position of senior engineer.
An Aerospace Technician’s Average Salary
The average annual wage for aerospace technicians in the United States is $38,579, or $19 per hour. The top 10% of earners earn over $54,000 annually, while the bottom 10% earn less than $27,000.
How to Become an Aerospace Technician
Nearly all candidates will need to have completed specialized coursework leading to at least an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in order to get employment as an aerospace technician. Aerospace technology, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or electrical engineering are the most popular specializations for these degrees. For many people, working as an aerospace technician is a stepping stone to a career as an aerospace engineer or in other more specialized fields.
A career as an aerospace technician may be attained through specialized training and certification programs in addition to university degree programs. Obtaining certification from SpaceTEC or the National Center for Aerospace and Transportation Technologies, as well as joining the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics organization, which offers member benefits and job postings for aerospace technicians, are some of the more well-liked options.
Although it is not necessary to have prior experience to work as an aerospace technician, it is advised to look for an apprenticeship or work experience with a government organization, engineering firm, airline, or research organization to gain the practical knowledge needed for career advancement. To keep staff members up to date with new developments, emerging technology, and modifications to accepted practices, many businesses in this sector also provide continuing education courses and seminars.
How do Pay for Aerospace Technicians Compare to those for Similar Positions Nationwide?
According to the most recent statistics on employment, an aerospace technician can expect to earn an average annual salary of $68,620, or $33 per hour. Depending on the state you live in or perhaps when just starting out, they can make as little as $51,660, or $25 per hour.
How has the Growth of Aerospace Technician Jobs Compared to other Occupations Nationwide?
For a total of 11,800 people employed in the career nationwide by 2024, 400 jobs will change. This represents a 3.5% change in growth over the following 10 years, giving the career an above-average growth rate nationally.
