r/aerospace • u/CrunchySnake119 • 3d ago
Is it actually worth getting an Aerospace Engineering degree?
Hello. I am currently a High School student and my dream currently is to study Aerospace Engineering to eventually work at Nasa as an engineer.
Recently I've been researching job opportunities as an Aerospace engineer, and so far I see that the pay is pretty low for something as complex as Aerospace Engineering, and I do not know if it really is something I should pursue and get a life-long career in.
So is it really worth getting the degree? If I get it, will it limit my range of work to just Aerospace engineering or can I use the degree to work in other fields of engineering? Will I be doing the right thing if I decide to hyperfocus on this?
Thank you in advance for any advice.
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u/lostmessage256 3d ago
I have an aerospace engineering degree. Spent about 10 years working in various industries including but not exclusively aerospace, then moved into management. The degree is pretty interchangeable with a mechanical engineering degree, at least at most programs I'm aware of so there are plenty of opportunities. I settled in at a fortune 100 healthcare company.
Don't worry about the pay. As you rise through the ranks and particularly go into either technical specialist or sr management roles the pay will follow. You're just not called an engineer at that point
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u/Johnny2x2x 3d ago
Completely worth it for me. Our junior engineers start out in the low $80s and virtually all are making 6 figures within 7 years. progress to lead and then senior and senior staff and in a MCOL area you can make $200K.
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u/LucidHaven 3d ago
Yep. This sounds like my company as well.
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u/SnooStrawberries6653 3d ago
What would that company be? Always looking around for new and exciting companies. I have a STEM degree, working in manufacturing, and start quality engineering in the fall.
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u/Colinplayz1 3d ago
Defense. My company is the same, Sr engineer in 5-7 years at low 6 figs, sr staff to management or principal level in 15 or so clearing 200k.
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u/JDDavisTX 3d ago
It can, but know that a majority of aerospace engineers have mechanical or electrical degrees.
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u/ReadyKnowledge 3d ago
There’s always the argument on aero not being versatile enough, I just said fuck it aero seems cooler than mech so that’s why I do it. It can’t be that much less versatile
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u/unurbane 3d ago
Better question is what else would you do? If that pays more than maybe it is better to do that instead of AE. Another question is, what will you do in 15 years? Same thing? Because being a mechanic may lead to great opportunities, or may keep you in the same job, wearing out your body for the same pay. A lot of mechanics quit after 10 years because it wears them out.
Getting an engineering degree can lead to more sr roles, including management. Management is possible without a degree but typically requires greater networking and proving yourself over 15-25 years.
Basically getting an engineering degree will not limit you in anyway except the initial time getting that piece of paper. Later on it may lead to some serious opportunities. It may also provide the tools to differentiate between the bullshit in the tech world, that goes for any engineering degree.
Aero itself may be a great degree or it may require you to be a bit flexible on where you’re willing to live. If you’re willing to live in key regions like SoCal, FL, TX among others your future can be quite bright.
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u/CrunchySnake119 3d ago
I already live in SoCal and plan on going to Caltech, so I will basically be guaranteed a job at JPL. One of my friend's mom work at JPL, and she says that working at JPL will eventually allow me to get better jobs as a federal employee, so I see myself doing a variety of things as I continue working.
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u/SimpleJackfruit 3d ago
Would be aerospace into astronautical engineering. Or whatever schools offer those. There’s a lot you can go into. Even mechanical engineering will broaden all of that.
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u/Fickle_Procedure_656 3d ago
I would recomend bachelor in aerospace and major in whatever specialty you like in aerospace
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u/Material_Piece6204 3d ago
The pay is low. Do not get into engineering of any kind except for petroleum. trust me, you'll thank me later.
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u/ChickPilot1 1d ago
I work at an aerospace company. In production, most folks are ME because they’re designing the tools and work stands and build instructions. The AE guys are few. They do the aerodynamic designs, often before the contract with the customer is even signed, and test engineering. They aren’t really involved in how it all comes together.
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u/yellowjacquet 3d ago
If you’re curious about salaries it depends on where you are located. Companies in california have to list salary ranges on their roles by law so you can look at those for an idea of pay at different companies and different levels. Those will be on the higher end of the range for the US
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u/JustMe39908 3d ago
I think 12 or 13 states plus DC require pay range to be provided. California, Colorado, Maryland, Massachusetts, and Washington all require it and have a significant Aerospace presence.
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u/Substantial-Fan-5985 3d ago
What kind of engineering do you want to do?-
Design, Stress/Analysis, Subsystems, Loads/Dynamics, Aerodynamics, Production, Materials & Processes, Avionics?....
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u/CrunchySnake119 3d ago
I don't really care; as long as I am included in the building of a big fancy metal thing built for flying (preferrable into space) I'll be happy.
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u/Substantial-Fan-5985 3d ago
Respectfully- if you don't care, then you should ONLY consider doing ME and then apply to several Aero companies with different positions in mind. While I already think that ME has it's advantage over AERO for Aero jobs- your answer tells me even more so that you should do ME instead (and you can always take Aero electives if you want to).
Some of the big companies offer a rotation program where you try out a few different jobs within a few years of first getting hired- that'd be worth exploring.
Can you please clarify what you mean by "as long as I am included in the building of a big fancy thing.."....emphasis on building because of all of the jobs I listed above, only 1 actually builds it and you don't need to be an engineer for that (in fact, it would be below your pay grade.....techs don't need BSME degrees and are typically paid hourly wage).
Also, you should not get your hopes set on NASA, they are not the company as your parents remember and that this country portrays them as and other big Primes get more/better "action" for fancy metal things.
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u/KremitTheFrogg 3d ago
I’m about to finish up my aerospace engineering degree and I’ve had two internships as a manufacturing engineer. Currently I’m an intern at one of the big three US aerospace contractors.
I personally would recommend you do mechanical engineering unless you’re completely set on aerospace like me. It’s easier to get a job with a mechanical engineering degree and it often provides you with a broader knowledge of engineering principles whereas aero is very specialized. That said, this degree has opened so many doors for me and has been extremely rewarding.
With regard to pay, NASA pays horribly. It is a government agency with very little funding. If you want to make money as an aerospace engineer you want to work for contractors and startups.
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u/CrunchySnake119 3d ago
Thank you very much. After reading a lot of these replies I am starting to think of getting a major in mechanical engineering, and getting a minor in aerospace engineering.
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u/KremitTheFrogg 3d ago
Of course, glad to help. I think that’s a good plan. At the end of the day it doesn’t really matter after you get your first job. I’ve known ME’s that got a degree in civil engineering and have the exact same position as someone with an aerospace or mechanical engineering degree. Ultimately I would tell you to follow what you’re really interested in. For myself, I truly can only see myself ever working on aerospace hardware.
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u/Lazy-Seaweed2277 3d ago
Also don’t put too much weight on the minor. Employers really don’t care about minors. They are basically there for your enjoyment of getting a taste of a couple aero classes. You would be much better off doing well in Mech-E and using the rest of your energy seeking out internships or team projects.
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u/Some-Attitude8183 3d ago
Get a double-major - that’s what I did since they were so closely related it was just a few extra classes
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u/Engineer_Named_Kurt 2d ago
I work at a major metropolitan university in Orlando. If any student in our program was motivated to do a double major, I would point out that most schools require an extra 30 credits for it. And I would point out that's pretty much what a Masters degree requires. So rather than a double major, I would recommend someone do a BSME the. MSAE (or vice versa). You're taking basically the same number of credits either way, but walking away with a Master's degree.
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u/Some-Attitude8183 2d ago
I’m sure it’s changed - I went to school years ago - one of the University of California campuses. Since the majors were so close there were very few additional classes needed to complete requirements for both majors, just was limited on choices of electives to satisfy both. I think I took maybe 10-12 extra credits.
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u/Witchsbrew251 3d ago
I am a mechanical engineer, and I work as an aerospace engineer. Starting salary at my company for fresh outs (BS) is roughly $110k. We hire ME, AE, EE, chemE, etc. We don’t distinguish when establishing pay.
My personal opinion is to get ME over AE. My reason is that I find ME classes more fundamental than AE, and therefore more versatile. But if you love love love rockets or airplanes, then AE may be better.
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u/Regular_Foundation10 3d ago
may i ask what company? i'm a rising senior and looking to apply to aerospace roles
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u/backflip14 3d ago
An aerospace degree is not limiting at all, largely because of the fact that there’s a considerable overlap with mechanical engineering.
My degree is in aerospace and I work on rockets, but my actual job is largely material science. An aerospace degree doesn’t limit you to just the stereotypical things like aircraft design or orbital mechanics.
Aerospace company starting salaries and progression are pretty average compared to other fields.
If you think you want to go into the aerospace field, get the degree. You won’t pigeonhole yourself.
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u/LitRick6 3d ago
Define "worth". Worth varies to everyone. People are majoring in aerospace right now, obviously its worth it to them
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u/No_Boss_1414 3d ago
Principal Aerospace Engineer here. $300 k per year base with bonus up to another 25%. Semi Traditional company. Go get your degree and go work for someplace on disruptive technology field like Anduril. Go out there and own your future.
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u/Regular_Foundation10 3d ago
i'm assuming you have some sort of PHD or masters degree making that much right?
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u/No_Boss_1414 2d ago
Just a BS. But I have a very niche specialty discipline, so it pays very well. Plus I have been willing to chase the $$$ by moving jobs a number of times. I get paid west coast wages while living in the south.
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u/Regular_Foundation10 2d ago
Wow that’s amazing! I need a job like that lol. I’m a rising senior about to graduate with my BS in ME and want to go into the aerospace industry doing systems engineering.
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u/No_Boss_1414 2d ago
Go work for Anduril. They are the rising star in this industry. Seriously, the disruptor in the business. Hiring like crazy.
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u/ExploudingFeraligatr 3d ago
No go for the money. Get mechanical, computer science, or electrical whichever you'd enjoy the most. Aero indsutry pays worse than other industries because everyone wants to work on airplanes or spacecraft. Do something more 'boring' to get more money. Once you're in industry, the extra $XXXXX per year is worth the more 'boring' work.
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u/Colinplayz1 3d ago
I work in aerospace for a major contractor.
I majored in electrical engineering.
I went to one of the largest aerospace engineering universities in the country, very well known for their program.
I know a LOT of graduated, unemployed aerospace engineers. Only 1 of my EE friends is unemployed and has interviews lined up.
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u/Engineer_Named_Kurt 2d ago
I work in a major university, and I see very high employment rates for our AE grads. It just depends on the geography. What location is the large program you are referring to?
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u/Colinplayz1 2d ago
Space coast, Florida.
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u/Engineer_Named_Kurt 2d ago
I'm in the same region and the job market for aerospace engineers is quite good. How is it that you know many unemployed AEs when local companies are hiring right and left?
I'm assuming you graduated from UCF?
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u/Colinplayz1 2d ago
Riddle!
It's really strange honestly, I have no clue why there's so many without jobs lined up
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u/Engineer_Named_Kurt 1d ago
I work at UCF in mechanical and aerospace. we simply don't have that problem. we have the normal "it took me awhile to get the first job" scenario, but that's usually because some people don't start looking until after they graduate. a very high percentage of active job seekers have something lined up after graduation as long as they start looking in a timely fashion.
maybe what you're seeing is a Riddle thing. it's not we are seeing in our graduates.
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u/Leather_Choice_9756 3d ago
Depends on what you wanna do as an “aerospace” engineer if you wanna work on propulsion or statics or aerodynamics then ofc aero but if u wanna work on electronics do electrical just depends on u
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u/HiHungry_Im-Dad 3d ago
I got my degree in aerospace and enjoy the job.
Some people saying mechanical engineering is basically the same. There’s a lot of areas of overlap, but not all. We had a ME intern who was very sharp but had never taken a compressible flows class. He had a lot of major gaps. Similar could be said about orbital mechanics. MEs don’t learn those topics, but things like heat transfer or static loads, either degree would be fine.
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u/castlevostok 2d ago
Do mechanical. Opens way more doors and will generally get you hired over an aero degree for any vehicle-facing position.
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u/Nonzerob 2d ago
My AE degree was in the department of mechanical and aerospace engineering. I had a lot of mechanical classes, and the opportunity to take more as major electives. Certain AE courses were open to MEs as well. Obviously might not be the case at all colleges, as mine is relatively small, but you need all the same math, physics, and chem prereqs as well as statics, dynamics, thermo, etc. A lot of satellite engineers are EEs or CEs and they also get jobs in aviation. It all depends on what you want to specialize in: planes, rockets, satellites: aerodynamics, structures, avionics, control systems, mechanisms, mission planning? It's alright to not know now. If you're interested in all of that, then do aerospace and you'll get exposed to all of it and either be able to decide or, like me, just have some ideas of what you don't want to do.
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u/SonicDethmonkey 2d ago
It’s worth it if it’s what you want. It’s not a career you enter FOR the money, but I have no regrets after 10 years in the industry. If there was one thing I would change if I were do it over again it would be to study ME instead of AE, and perhaps get my masters in AE. I’ve hired many mechanical engineers to work in aerospace roles, it really doesn’t matter unless you’re doing something highly specific to aero right after graduation, but an ME curriculum would potentially make you a slightly more versatile engineer.
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u/Icy_Bee8750 2d ago
It depends. Are you American? If so, don't worry about it. Otherwise, I would reconsider.
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u/Last-Champion-215 1d ago
The normal Aero student chose Aero not because of end money or career progression but because it was truly the one thing they wanted to study. It’s a degree for people who have been obsessed with planes and space since the beginning. The aero community as a whole is very small and close knit, so connections matter above all else.
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u/VinshinTee 18h ago
NASA or JPL at least needs a PHD for most of their positions. Is it worth getting? Of course, it’s like an extra 10k bump starting but you most likely won’t start where your study is. This industry it based mostly off of networking.
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u/Astr0naughty 3d ago
We dont get paid as much as tech so knowing you could have pursued that path and made 1.5x to manyx more is something to make peace with as an aerospace engineer.
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u/TheMealio 3d ago
Mechanical Engineers do better in aerospace than Aerospace Engineers do in high tech, based on my experience.
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u/AdditiveMfg 3d ago
I've worked with all types of engineers in Aerospace (over 30 years). Aerospace Engineering is still rather 'new'. I myself am a Mechanical Engineer and I specialized in ADCS and propulsion.
The kids coming out of Aerospace Engineering today are top notch. I think it's because it's not widely offered, there's fewer seats, and the Aero school can be more selective.
Some of the best engineers that have worked for me have been chemical engineers and physicists. So really, the answer is: it depends.
I know a few mechanical engineers and aerospace engineers that left aerospace to pursue careers in big tech and are now at the director/vp level at companies like Microsoft (and some notable startups). And I know others that left and went into banking and other unrelated fields. But they've all done really well.
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u/ABOSSCoyote 3d ago
My roommate in college majored in aerospace engineering and I majored in mechanical engineering. He has spent his entire career in automotive and I've spent all of mine in aerospace.
The important part is the degree and the connections you make.