Careers: aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, airline pilot, avionics technician, and air traffic controller. Majors: Aviation, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Aerospace Engineering.
College majors for aviation and aerospace
Aviation
Covers flying, airport and airline operations, and aviation management.
Aviation Maintenance Technology
Prepares you to inspect, maintain and repair aircraft.
Aerospace Engineering
Designs aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.
Careers in aviation and aerospace
Aircraft Mechanic
Inspect, maintain and repair airplanes and helicopters to FAA standards.
- Typical training: 18–30 months
Commercial Pilot
Fly airplanes and helicopters for charter, cargo, tours, agriculture and more.
- Typical training: 1–2 years of flight training
Airline Pilot
Fly passenger and cargo jets for airlines.
- Typical training: Years of flight training and hours
Avionics Technician
Install, test and repair the electronics that fly and navigate aircraft.
- Typical training: 12–24 months
Air Traffic Controller
Keep aircraft safely separated in the sky and on the ground.
- Typical training: FAA Academy plus 2–4 years on the job
Flight Attendant
Keep airline passengers safe and comfortable from boarding to arrival.
- Typical training: 3–8 weeks of airline training
Aerospace Engineer
Design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites and missiles.
- Typical training: 4-year engineering degree
Skills these careers use
- Aircraft systems and inspections
- FAA regulations and documentation
- Engine (powerplant) maintenance
- Sheet metal and structures
- Aircraft handling
- Instrument flying
Start building skills now
A self-paced online course on what aircraft mechanics do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: aircraft systems and inspections, FAA regulations and documentation, and engine (powerplant) maintenance
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Aviation and Aerospace
A self-paced online course on what commercial pilots do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: aircraft handling, instrument flying, and flight planning
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Aviation and Aerospace
A self-paced online course on what airline pilots do: duties, 15+ key terms, step-by-step tasks, tools, safety and how to launch the career.
Skills you build: aircraft operation, navigation, and weather
Why it fits: Fits your interest in Aviation and Aerospace
Aviation and Aerospace: frequently asked questions
What careers are there in aviation and aerospace?
Careers connected to aviation and aerospace include aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, airline pilot, avionics technician, air traffic controller, flight attendant, and aerospace engineer.
What should I major in if I am interested in aviation and aerospace?
Majors connected to aviation and aerospace include Aviation, Aviation Maintenance Technology, and Aerospace Engineering. Compare what each includes, the skills it builds and where it leads.
What aviation and aerospace careers do not require a four-year degree?
Examples include aircraft mechanic, commercial pilot, avionics technician, air traffic controller, and flight attendant. They typically start with a high school diploma, a certificate, an associate degree, an apprenticeship or on-the-job training.
Which aviation and aerospace careers usually require a bachelor’s degree or more?
Examples include airline pilot and aerospace engineer. Some also need a license or certification.
What skills do you need for a career in aviation and aerospace?
Skills that come up often in these careers include aircraft systems and inspections, FAA regulations and documentation, engine (powerplant) maintenance, sheet metal and structures, aircraft handling, and instrument flying, along with communication and problem solving.
How do I start a career in aviation and aerospace?
Learn about the careers in the field, choose one or two that fit you, check the education or training each requires, and build practical knowledge early through classes, part-time work, volunteering or short career training.
Can I explore aviation and aerospace careers before choosing a college major?
Yes. Career profiles, job shadowing and short online career training let you learn what jobs in aviation and aerospace involve before you commit to a major or program.
Does Career Education Institute offer training related to aviation and aerospace?
Yes. Related online trainings include Aircraft Mechanic Training, Commercial Pilot Training, and Airline Pilot Training. They are general, non-credit courses that teach what a job involves; they do not grant a degree or license.
Which colleges offer programs related to aviation and aerospace?
Use the college search to find U.S. colleges that report awarding degrees in related majors, filtered by state, city, ZIP code, online programs and type of school.