The Average Salary of a Rocket Scientist

Were you always the winner at the school science fair? Do you have a preoccupation with Klingons and Wookies? Or are you the meticulous type who likes to tinker and twiddle with metal? Well, if you are, becoming an aerospace engineer--or rocket scientist as the job is more commonly called--might be right up your alley.

The Job

Not for everyone, the job of aerospace engineer is incredibly demanding. Starting with education, entry-level positions require at least a bachelor degree in engineering. To be competitive, however, your education will most likely require specialization in a certain area of aerospace engineering and some type of graduate work.

In the field, long hours might be needed to get projects completed--deadlines are ever looming. And while some aerospace engineers have the luxury of working in an air-conditioned office, many work outside or in noisy environments such as airfields and manufacturing plants.

Yet, for those who are creative and love tackling challenging problems, the job is very rewarding. In many cases significant advancements in technology are first discovered here before they are introduced to consumers.

Salary

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average annual salary for an aerospace engineer is $93,980 per year. The bureau reports that the average hourly wage for aerospace engineers is about $45.18.

Salary by State

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics also listed the top five highest paying states for this occupation. Maryland ranked number one with a salary of $110,110 per year. California took the second place position at a salary of $106,890 per year with the District of Columbia filling out the third place position at $105,470 per year. Not to far away from the top three states sits New Mexico at $104,360 per year with Massachusetts rounding out the list at $103,730 per year.

Salary by Industry

If you are looking for the most return for your efforts, the bureau reported that aerospace engineers can earn greater salaries depending upon the industry. The industry of employment services touted a lofty average salary of $112,110 per year as the highest paying industry in the nation. Computer systems design and related services followed at $105,570 per year. Scientific research and development services was placed just below at $105,160 per year. Next in the lineup, the bureau reported that management, scientific and technical consulting services followed at $104,770 per year while the federal executive branch listed last at $103,810 per year.

Job Outlook

Slower than the national average for employment demand, the bureau reports that aerospace engineers will only see a 10 percent growth between 2006 and 2016. They say that military and government projects will be the major catalyst for new employment. The bureau also expects new technologies in commercial aircraft to generate new jobs as well.

References

• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Overview
• The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Statistics