Best institutions to study Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems.
29 U.S. institutions graduated 810 Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician students in 2024–25 (IPEDS). It is CIP 15.0801, a specialization of Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08), and leads most directly to the Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians occupation (BLS SOC 17-3021).
About Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician programs
A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems. Includes instruction in aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
See also: 47.0609 - Avionics Maintenance Technology/Technician.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020).
The Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician program prepares individuals to support engineers and professionals in the development, manufacturing, and testing of aircraft and spacecraft. This program is ideal for those interested in applying engineering principles and technical skills in a dynamic and innovative field focused on aerospace technology.
Learn more about Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician →
Students will gain knowledge in aircraft and spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, inspection procedures, and maintenance. Core skills include critical thinking, science, and active learning, alongside hands-on experience with test equipment operation and data analysis.
Credentials awarded
What Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earned in 2024–25, by award level (IPEDS completions).
- Bachelor's degree318 graduates / yr · 11 institutions39%
- Associate's degree188 graduates / yr · 15 institutions23%
- Award of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year139 graduates / yr · 8 institutions17%
- Award of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years109 graduates / yr · 6 institutions14%
- Master's degree55 graduates / yr · 1 institution6.8%
- Postbaccalaureate certificate1 graduates / yr · 1 institution0.1%
Graduates over time
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician completions reported to IPEDS each year, all award levels combined.
| Year | Graduates |
|---|---|
| 2012 | 529 |
| 2013 | 629 |
| 2014 | 696 |
| 2015 | 644 |
| 2016 | 889 |
| 2017 | 777 |
| 2018 | 1,281 |
| 2019 | 1,355 |
| 2020 | 1,052 |
| 2021 | 983 |
| 2022 | 1,074 |
| 2023 | 1,173 |
| 2024 | 1,144 |
| 2025 | 810 |
Top 29 institutions for Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician, ranked by graduates
Graduates (IPEDS completions), 2024–25. Award levels show which credentials each institution confers in this specialization.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Field earnings* (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Public University System Charles Town, WVPrivate for-profitBachelor'sMaster'sAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearPost-degree cert. | 165 | 57% | $10,199 | $48,094 |
| 2 | Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, INPublicBachelor's | 160 | 83% | — | $67,093 |
| 3 | Cincinnati State Technical and Community College Cincinnati, OHPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 99 | 16% | — | $45,873 |
| 4 | Eastern Florida State College Melbourne, FLPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate's | 84 | 52% | — | — |
| 5 | Bishop State Community College Mobile, ALPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 50 | 36% | — | — |
| 6 | University of Puerto Rico - Aguadilla Aguadilla, PRPublicAssociate's | 38 | 46% | — | $15,520 |
| 7 | Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NCPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate'sAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 35 | 31% | — | — |
| 8 | Nunez Community College Chalmette, LAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic yearsAssociate'sAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 31 | 27% | — | — |
| 9 | Western Technical College El Paso, TXPrivate for-profitAssociate's | 19 | 72% | $30,492 | — |
| 10 | Embry - Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide Daytona Beach, FLPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 17 | 21% | $21,266 | $93,433 |
| 11 | Wichita State University - Campus of Applied Sciences and Technology Wichita, KSPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic yearAssociate's | 13 | 43% | — | $21,427 |
| 12 | Utah State University Logan, UTPublicBachelor's | 13 | 59% | — | — |
| 13 | Kent State University at Kent Kent, OHPublicBachelor's | 11 | 64% | — | — |
| 14 | Southwestern Oklahoma State University Weatherford, OKPublicAssociate's | 11 | 40% | — | — |
| 15 | LeTourneau University Longview, TXPrivate not-for-profitBachelor's | 11 | 59% | $24,186 | $52,625 |
| 16 | Columbus State Community College Columbus, OHPublicAssociate's | 10 | 28% | — | — |
| 17 | Mohawk Valley Community College Utica, NYPublicAssociate's | 9 | 38% | — | — |
| 18 | Pennsylvania College of Technology Williamsport, PAPublicBachelor's | 9 | 53% | — | $53,234 |
| 19 | Tennessee State University Nashville, TNPublicBachelor's | 8 | 34% | — | — |
| 20 | Idaho State University Pocatello, IDPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 4 | 39% | — | — |
| 21 | Utah Valley University Orem, UTPublicBachelor's | 3 | 45% | — | — |
| 22 | Fairmont State University Fairmont, WVPublicBachelor's | 2 | 44% | — | $54,410 |
| 23 | Middle Georgia State University Macon, GAPublicAward of at least 1 but less than 2 academic years | 2 | 25% | — | $25,531 |
| 24 | University of the District of Columbia Washington, DCPublicAssociate's | 1 | 33% | — | — |
| 25 | Gulf Coast State College Panama City, FLPublicAssociate's | 1 | 43% | — | — |
| 26 | Pasco - Hernando State College New Port Richey, FLPublicAssociate's | 1 | 41% | — | — |
| 27 | Southeast Missouri State University Cape Girardeau, MOPublicBachelor's | 1 | 58% | — | — |
| 28 | New Mexico State University - Dona Ana Las Cruces, NMPublicAssociate's | 1 | 19% | — | — |
| 29 | Tulsa Technology Center Tulsa, OKPublicAward of at least 12 weeks but less than 1 academic year | 1 | 81% | — | — |
* Median earnings 1 year after graduation for the broader Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians field (CIP 15.08) at these institutions; College Scorecard does not publish earnings at the 6-digit level.
Offered in 20 states & territories
Where Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician graduates come from. Each state links to all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians programs offered there.
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 17-3021, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, and its national outlook.
Graduates can pursue careers as Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians, with a much faster than average job growth rate of 8.1%. The median wage for these positions is approximately $79,830, and typical education required is an Associate's degree.
Top-paying metros
Career pathways for CIP 15.0801
The occupations the NCES crosswalk maps this 6-digit code to, with BLS pay and 10-year outlook.
| Occupation | US median pay | Growth | Openings / yr | Typical entry education |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Techniciansprimary SOC 17-3021 | $82,890 | +8.1% Much faster than average | ~900 | Associate's degree |
Mechanical Drafters SOC 17-3013 | $71,550 | -6.5% Decline | ~3,300 | Associate's degree |
Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
- Education
- Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
- Experience
- Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Related careers
Skills & knowledge in Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this specialization most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
Abilities that matter most
Day-to-day work activities
What graduates do on the job
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
Tools and technology used
Other Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians specializations
The 5 other 6-digit CIP codes under Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08).
- Mechanical/CIP 15.0805
Mechanical Engineering Technology/ Technician 3,358 graduates / yr190 institutions - Automotive Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0803
Technician 1,292 graduates / yr47 institutions - Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/CIP 15.0899
Technicians 476 graduates / yr15 institutions - Marine Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0806
Technician partial data63 graduates / yr4 institutions - Motorsports Engineering Technology/CIP 15.0807
Technician limited data4 graduates / yr1 institutions
See all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians programs →
Common questions
What degrees can I earn in this program?+
You can earn a Bachelor's degree, Associate's degree, or shorter awards based on your study duration.
What skills will I develop?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, science, monitoring, and technical writing.
What is the job outlook for graduates?+
The job outlook is strong, with 900 annual openings expected in this field.
What types of careers can I pursue?+
You can work as an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist or a Mechanical Drafter.
What is the CIP code for Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician?+
Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician is CIP 15.0801 in the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020), a 6-digit specialization within Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians (CIP 15.08). NCES defines it as: A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems. Includes instruction in aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.
How many institutions offer Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician programs?+
29 U.S. institutions reported Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician graduates in IPEDS 2024–25, across 20 states & territories, awarding 810 credentials in the year. That is 13.5% of all Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians graduates.
How much do Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician graduates earn?+
Earnings are not published at the 6-digit CIP level by any federal source. The Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians occupation, which Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician most directly leads to, pays a median of $82,890 a year nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025), and graduates of the broader Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians field report median earnings of $52,625 one year after graduation (College Scorecard).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
Program definitions are from the NCES Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP 2020). Skills, knowledge, abilities, work activities, tools, and job zones are from the O*NET database by the U.S. Department of Labor, used under the CC BY 4.0 license.
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