Will AI replace aerospace engineers?AI replacement risk 66% and how the work is changing

United States Engineering & Science Confidence ★★★★★

Median annual pay
$134,960
25th–75th pct. $106,110–$169,690
Top pay (est.)
$267,700
Top 10% $205,890
Pay in 5 years
$154,500est.
2031
Pay in 10 years
$176,800est.
$152,000–$205,200
Outlook score
58/100
★★★☆☆ Average
AI replacement risk
66%
High
Job growth (10 yr)
+8.3%
3,800 openings / yr

Will AI replace Aerospace Engineers? AI replacement risk

66%
High
Ranked #707 safest from AI among all U.S. occupations
Very lowLowModerateHighVery high

How AI is changing this job

A written analysis for this occupation is being prepared.

AI replacement risk compares the parts of a job that are easy to hand to AI or software (processing information, documentation, repetitive computer work) with the parts that are hard to automate (physical work, working closely with people, judgment in unpredictable settings), using O*NET work activities, work context, skills and knowledge. The result is a relative position among all occupations in the country, scaled to 0–100%. Methodology →

Skills, education and requirements for Aerospace Engineers

Key skills

Mathematics
5.2
Science
5.1
Reading Comprehension
5.0
Critical Thinking
4.9
Operations Analysis
4.9
Writing
4.8
Judgment and Decision Making
4.1
Complex Problem Solving
4.1

O*NET skill level ratings (0–7).

Key knowledge areas

Design
6.3
Engineering and Technology
6.2
Computers and Electronics
5.3
Mechanical
5.3
Physics
5.0
Mathematics
5.0
Production and Processing
3.9
English Language
3.7

What the work involves

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentThinking CreativelyCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeProcessing InformationAnalyzing Data or InformationOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

Important abilities

Written ComprehensionOral ComprehensionDeductive ReasoningOral ExpressionWritten ExpressionMathematical Reasoning

Training before entry

None / short demo
20%
2–4 years
17%
Up to 1 month
17%
6–12 months
17%
1–3 months
16%
3–6 months
12%

Related work experience

1–2 years
26%
4–6 years
24%
2–4 years
18%
None
15%
6–12 months
12%
6–8 years
2%
Up to 1 month
1%
8–10 years
1%

Job Zone 4 — considerable preparation needed (O*NET)

Difficulty of entry: ★★★☆☆ Moderate (from education, training, experience and Job Zone)

Pay and employment figures are national statistics. Projected pay, outlook scores and AI replacement risk are estimates from the Shigoto Zukan model, not guarantees. To request a correction, use the contact form. How to read the data
Sources: BLS OEWS May 2025; BLS Employment Projections 2025–35; O*NET 31.0 Database by USDOL/ETA (CC BY 4.0), modified by Shigoto Zukan. Pay ranges, projections and scores are Shigoto Zukan estimates.