SOC 17-3021
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Risk Score
โ ๏ธ44/100
Elevated
US Employment
๐ฅ9,060
Total workers
Median Wage
๐ฐ$80K
$54K โ $120K
Projected Growth
๐+8.1%
2023-2033 (BLS)
GenAI Exposure
๐ค49/100
Moderate exposure
๐ก Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians face a risk score of 44/100 โ 0 points above the national average of 44. With only 49/100 GenAI exposure, most core tasks remain resistant to current AI capabilities. See our methodology โ
๐ก Workers in this field earn $80K ($34K above the national median). The 3 recommended career transitions all maintain competitive wages while reducing automation exposure. Explore transition paths โ
๐ AI Impact Analysis
With a risk score of 44/100, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians faces moderate automation pressure. While tasks like robotic inspection and testing automation are increasingly handled by AI, the role retains significant human elements. The 9,060 workers in this occupation should focus on strengthening skills in safety-critical judgment in design review and cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects to stay ahead. The role will likely evolve rather than disappear.
Will AI Replace Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians?
Read our full analysis with verdict, risk factors, safe tasks, and career transition paths โ
โ ๏ธ Top Risk Factors
Robotic inspection and testing automation
AI-optimized manufacturing process design
Automated structural and systems analysis software
Simulation and digital twin automation
๐ก๏ธ Tasks Safe from Automation
Safety-critical judgment in design review
Cross-disciplinary collaboration on complex projects
On-site problem-solving in variable physical conditions
Novel engineering design for unprecedented challenges
๐ Task Automation Breakdown
Based on O*NET task analysis and GenAI exposure scoring. Shows the estimated proportion of this occupation's core tasks that are automatable by current AI, augmented by AI tools, or require essential human skills.
๐ O*NET Task Profile
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.
๐ป Technology Skills
Data base management system software
Object or component oriented development software
Project management software
Computer aided design CAD software
Program testing software
๐ Key Knowledge Areas
Mechanical
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
๐ vs National Average
National avg: $46K
National avg: 44/100
National avg: 38/100
National avg: 3.7%
๐ Career Transition Paths
| Occupation | Risk | Wage | Overlap |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineers | 20 | $106K | 78% |
| Social Scientists and Related Workers | 21 | $93K | 51% |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | 29 | $97K | 75% |