by our College Data Analytics TeamStudying Air & Space Operations Technology covers Air And Space Operations Technology. A Program That Focuses On The Principles, Technology And Maintenance Of Systems And Equipment Used In Aerospace Operations. Includes Instruction In Astronomy And Astronautics, Solid State Theory, Air And Space Operations, Electronics, Computer Science, Aviation And Space Flight Safety, Life Support Systems, Flight Operations Management Systems, Programming, Propulsion Systems, Weaponry, Maintenance Management And Applications To Specific Systems And Operations. Continue reading for the important information every air & space operations technology student should know — including career paths, salary data, the skills you will develop, and the best colleges offering air & space operations technology programs.
In the U.S., air & space operations technology is a popular field of study, with 114 degrees awarded annually.
Our 2026 Best Air & Space Operations Technology Schools ranking analyzes these 4 schools to determine the best overall colleges for air & space operations technology students. Continue reading to check out one of our many unbiased rankings of air & space operations technology programs later in this article.
Studies in Air & Space Operations Technology build a specific mix of skills, knowledge, and abilities — derived from O*NET surveys of workers in the occupations air & space operations technology graduates commonly enter.
Skills built by a air & space operations technology program reflects the day-to-day work of related occupations:
Based on O*NET data, a air & space operations technology major emphasizes the following knowledge areas:
There are several air & space operations technology degree levels. The table below shows the typical length of the most common levels, and how many graduates earn each one.
| Degree | Typical Program Length | Graduates Annually |
|---|---|---|
| Certificate | Varies | 1 |
| Associate Degree | 2 years | 74 |
| Bachelor’s Degree | 4 years | 31 |
| Master’s Degree | 1-3 years | 8 |
People currently working in careers related to air & space operations technology tend to have obtained the following education levels.
| Level of Education | Percentage of Workers |
|---|---|
| Postsecondary certificate | 39.2% |
| Associate’s degree (or other 2-year) | 33.2% |
| High school diploma or equivalent | 19.7% |
| Bachelor’s degree | 7.9% |
See the chart below to get an idea of what level of education most of those in air & space operations technology careers hold.
Source: ONET Online education / training / experience requirements.*
A degree in air & space operations technology can lead to a variety of career paths. Here are some of the most common occupations related to air & space operations technology.
The following options are some of the most in-demand careers related to air & space operations technology.
| Occupation | Projected Jobs | Expected Growth |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | 214,833 | 10.6% |
College Scorecard reports median earnings of air & space operations technology graduates 1, 4, and 5 years after completion. These numbers tend to grow as graduates gain experience.
| Years Out | Median Earnings |
|---|---|
| 1 year | $54,214 |
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study earnings tracker.
Salaries for air & space operations technology graduates vary widely by occupation. The following table shows the top highest-paying careers air & space operations technology grads often go into.
| Occupation | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians | $77,835 |
With 4 different air & space operations technology programs to choose from, finding the best fit can be a challenge. We have analyzed these schools to produce unbiased air & space operations technology school rankings to help you.
Those considering air & space operations technology, you may also want to explore other closely related fields of study within the same broad area.
| Related Major | Annual Graduates |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Ground Equipment Technology | 70 |
| Explosive Ordinance/Bomb Disposal | 23 |
More about our data sources and methodologies.
