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First, some facts. Of the Aerospace Engineering graduates we've analyzed , here's how many have used (or NOT used) their degree in their career:
These are estimates based on AI analysis of 211 LinkedIn profiles (see below).
The verdict? Significantly above average. Overall, with an average relevance score of 84%, Aerospace Engineering graduates have a much higher likelihood (+17%) of finding work in this field compared to the average graduate across all fields:
And for comparison, here's the chart for all profiles we've looked at across all degrees.
Also, after graduating, 50% of these graduates have pursued further education other than another Bachelor's degree (such as a Masters degree or other), compared to the average across all profiles of 35%. This suggests you may need more than just a Bachelors degree to be competitive as a Aerospace Engineering graduate.
See the details:
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Relevance score: 100% We think this person has gone into a career highly relevant to their degree.
DEGREE INFOGraduated in 2021 from San Diego State University with a Bachelor of Science - BS in Aerospace Engineering. No other secondary education since. JOB HISTORY SINCE GRADUATIONAssociate Structural Design Engineer Virgin Galactic Oct 2021 - Aug 2023 Engineer I, Structural Design Virgin Galactic Aug 2023 - Present ABOUTI am a graduate of San Diego State University, with my Bachelors Degree in Aerospace Engineering. I am currently working for Virgin Galactic in Tustin as a Structural Design Engineer on Spaceship Delta. |
The top 10 most common jobs done by the graduates we've analyzed (ranked most common to least) are:
Throughout my analysis of LinkedIn profiles from individuals who have graduated with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, one trend stands out: many graduates take on roles that are distinctly tied to their field of study. This mainly includes positions in aerospace companies, research organizations, and government agencies focused on aviation and space exploration. Common titles include Aerospace Engineer, Systems Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, and roles in propulsion and navigation, all of which leverage the fundamental principles of aerospace engineering. There’s also a significant presence of graduates working in internships and co-op positions, suggesting that hands-on experience during studies is crucial for securing relevant positions upon graduation.
However, there is a noticeable diversity in job relevance. While a large portion of the jobs listed are directly related to aerospace engineering principles, others, particularly in various management, technical support, and data roles, hover on the periphery. Many graduates end up in positions where they may utilize a few engineering concepts but lack substantial daily application of their aerospace knowledge. For example, roles in the food service industry, general manufacturing, or unrelated project management often show a lack of direct relevance. The presence of such positions in graduates' work histories highlights how a degree in aerospace engineering can lead to a broad spectrum of career paths, some more relevant to their education than others. In conclusion, while graduates frequently find fulfilling positions within the aerospace field, others may find themselves in roles that are only tangentially related, showcasing the myriad possibilities available to them, regardless of their specialization.
Here is a visual representation of the most common words in job titles for Aerospace Engineering graduates:
When looking at the career trajectories of graduates with a degree in Aerospace Engineering, there's a mix of the expected and the surprising. Generally, many of these graduates kick off their careers in roles that are directly related to aerospace, such as engineers or systems designers, with a clear path associated with their degree. For example, graduates from institutions like Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and Georgia Tech tend to start strong, landing jobs with major aerospace companies such as Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and NASA shortly after graduation. This shows that, for many, the first job is indeed relevant and aligned with their educational background and career aspirations.
However, there's also a noticeable number of graduates who take a less direct route in their early careers. Some have ended up in positions that are tangentially related or even far removed from aerospace—think of graduates working as chefs, project managers in construction, or even in retail. For instance, one University of Colorado alum went from being a project coordinator in construction to a line cook. That's quite a leap! This contrasts with some peers from the same program who are now thriving as engineers at major companies. It raises the question: is the aerospace job market saturated? Are some graduates simply not landing the jobs they thought they would? It's tough to say without more information, but that variety in early career paths hints at challenges.
Five to ten years in, there's an evident trend: many graduates progress back into relevant aerospace roles if they had strayed from that path initially. For example, grads who started as engineers often climb the ranks to become senior engineers or project managers at established firms. Others even advance into academia, conducting research or teaching, which shows a shift toward specialization and greater responsibility. However, those who didn't start in aviation or aerospace often find themselves in unrelated fields, with roles in sectors like tech, manufacturing, or even completely non-technical jobs like management or finance. The overall picture suggests a strong core of successful careers in aerospace for those who entered the field early, while others may drift towards different industries altogether.
In conclusion, while many graduates with aerospace engineering degrees find promising careers that align with their studies, the data also reveals a notable proportion who take unexpected paths, reflecting a mix of successes and challenges that can come in the early years after graduation. If you're considering this path, be excited about the possibilities, but stay adaptable. The field is vast, and there are many ways to carve out a fulfilling career!
Aerospace Engineering can be pretty challenging, so if you're considering it, be prepared for some intense coursework! It generally involves a lot of advanced math, physics, and engineering principles, so you’ll really need to be comfortable with those subjects. Some days will feel overwhelming, especially when you're tackling complex concepts like fluid dynamics or control systems. That said, if you're passionate about flying, space, and making cool things, it can also be super rewarding! Just remember, it's on the tougher side compared to a lot of other degrees, so you’ll need to stay organized and put in the effort to keep up.
Most commonly, in the LinkedIn profiles we've looked at, it takes people 4 years to finish a Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering.
When looking at the career paths of these Aerospace Engineering graduates, it seems like many of them have landed pretty solid jobs, especially considering the companies they're with. For instance, those working at major defense and aerospace firms like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA are likely enjoying competitive salaries and benefits. Graduates from schools like Texas A&M and Georgia Tech usually end up in well-paying roles, given the strong reputation of these programs. However, some graduates appear to have taken a bit longer to find their footing, like those who shifted between various lower-paying roles or internships before landing something more substantive.
Overall, it looks like a decent number of these folks are doing well financially—especially those who've been moving up the ranks in established companies—but there are definitely others who might not be hitting those expected salary marks right away. The varying paths show that timing, experience, and the right opportunities play a huge role in how much these graduates ultimately earn. So, if you’re considering a career in aerospace, know that it can be rewarding, but it may take some time and effort to really see those dollar signs!
Here is a visual representation of the most common words seen in the "about" section of LinkedIn profiles who have a Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering. This may or may not be useful:
Here are all colleges offering a Bachelor degree in Aerospace Engineering (ordered by the average relevance score of their Aerospace Engineering graduates, best to worst) where we have analyzed at least 10 of their graduates:
| College | Score | Count |
|---|---|---|
 Texas A&M University
|
83 | 11 |
 Georgia Institute of Technology
|
82 | 16 |