What is the average salary of an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers use their scientific and technological knowledge to research, design, develop, maintain, test civil and military aircraft, missiles, satellites, weapons systems, and space vehicles. They may also be involved in the manufacturing and testing of the components that make up aircraft and other related systems. Find out in this article about the salary that an aerospace engineer can expect to receive.

Work activities

Typical work activities for an aerospace engineer include: - Applying knowledge of science and technology to manufacture a range of types of aircraft, components and support equipment - Researching and creating design specifications - Assembling and modifying aircraft components - Supervising the assembly of aircrafts and their component parts - Participating in aircraft test programmes to measure take-off distances, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and more - Resolving issues that make themselves apparent during the design, development and testing phases - Maintaining aircraft for operation through conducting inspections, maintenance and servicing - Measuring and enhancing the performance of aircraft, components and systems - Modifying designs to enhance safety or to minimise environmental impacts - Developing repair procedures - Scheduling repair and maintenance - Investigating aircraft incidents - Interpreting data and writing up technical reports - Using specialist software to produce designs and plans - Working to budgets, timescales and specifications.

Salary range

The starting salary for an aerospace engineer is between £20,000 and £25,000 per annum, as of 01.08.11. Graduates with masters or research qualifications may expect to receive a higher starting salary.
Aeronautical engineers With experience, aeronautical engineers can expect to receive between £28,000 and £40,000 per annum. Senior aerospace engineers Senior aerospace engineers can expect to receive between £45,000 and £65,000 per annum. Larger, more renowned employers may offer a higher annual aerospace engineering salary.

Working conditions

The working hours for an aerospace engineer adhere to standard office hours. Employees may be expected to work extra hours to complete projects until deadlines. Aeronautical engineers may be required to work 'on-call', in case of emergency investigations or urgent repair work. Employees who perform on-call work may receive a higher engineer's salary. Where do they work The work of an aerospace engineer is undertaken in offices, factory production hangars and aeronautical laboratories. Employees may be required to travel, to inspect or test aircraft. Throughout their daily lives, aerospace engineers perform design work in laboratories with the aid of complex computer visualisation tools and software. Engineers typically work in teams and their work relies heavily on the latest research.