Aerospace is bigger than astronauts and rockets. It includes everything that flies â and everything that flies needs people to design it, build it, test it, fix it, and control it. Break it into lanes:
Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, propulsion systems, and flight software.
Building and testing parts, composites, avionics, quality control. Hands-on. Massive demand.
Air traffic control, mission control, drone operations, flight dispatch. The system that keeps everything moving.
Aircraft mechanics, avionics technicians. Can enter with a 2-year certification. Starting $60-75K with huge demand.
Physics, Calculus, Computer Science, any drafting or CAD class. If your school offers AP versions, take them.
Robotics, rocketry (TARC â Team America Rocketry Challenge), drone racing, aviation club, coding club.
NASA's high school STEM programs, MIT OpenCourseware (search "Introduction to Aerospace Engineering"), Kerbal Space Program (seriously â it teaches real orbital mechanics).
Start a project log. Document everything you build, fix, or take apart â even if it's just notes and phone photos. This becomes your portfolio.
The most important thing: Show that you're curious. An aerospace applicant who rebuilt a lawnmower engine, joined a robotics team, or taught themselves Python from YouTube is more compelling than one with perfect grades and nothing else.
You live in one of the best aerospace cities in the country. Here's what's local:
| Organization | What They Do | Student Opportunities |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing | Largest employer â commercial aircraft, defense, space | High school internships, manufacturing tours |
| Blue Origin | Kent HQ â reusable rockets, space tourism, lunar landers | High school outreach programs, tours |
| Alaska Airlines / Horizon Air | Aviation operations and maintenance | Internships, career exploration days |
| UW Aeronautics & Astronautics | Top-10 aerospace engineering program | Summer programs, high school research opportunities |
| Renton Technical College | Aviation maintenance programs (2-year) | High placement rate, direct pipeline to Boeing and Alaska |
| Museum of Flight | Aviation and space museum (one of the largest in the world) | Volunteer programs, summer camps, Aerospace Scholars |
Paid internships at NASA centers. Deadlines are early in the year â January/February. Search "NASA STEM Gateway."
Math Academy, engineering discovery days, computer science workshops. Applications usually open in spring.
Ages 12-21. Orientation flights (you fly the plane), search and rescue training, leadership development. Meets locally year-round.
Free program for Washington high school students. After-school and summer tracks. Hands-on projects, industry mentors.
Purdue, CU Boulder, UW, Embry-Riddle, MIT. Aerospace or mechanical engineering. See our college deep dive â â
FAA Airframe & Powerplant license. Programs at Renton Tech, Clover Park, Everett CC. 18 months. Starting $60-75K with massive demand.
Air Force, Navy, Space Force. Paid training, hands-on experience with advanced systems. GI Bill covers college after service.
FAA Part 107 commercial drone license. Can start at 16. Mapping, inspection, cinematography. $50-85K depending on industry.
| Role | Starting | Mid-Career | Education Needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $60,000 â $75,000 | $100,000+ | 2-year A&P certification |
| Aerospace Engineer | $80,000 â $95,000 | $120,000 â $150,000 | 4-year degree |
| Air Traffic Controller | $100,000+ | $150,000+ | FAA training pipeline (must apply before age 31) |
| Drone Pilot | $50,000 â $65,000 | $75,000 â $85,000 | FAA Part 107 license |
| Avionics Technician | $58,000 â $72,000 | $90,000+ | 2-year certification |
"You don't need to be a rocket scientist to work in aerospace. You need to be curious, persistent, and willing to learn. The industry is desperate for people who can think and problem-solve. If you start building things and asking questions now â even small things â you'll walk into your first interview with something most applicants don't have: proof that you're real."