Recent Department of Labor report points to growth in the space sector.
When we think of jobs in the space industry, visions of an astronaut on a spacewalk may come to mind. But it’s the logistics of space missions that require large teams with varied skills and specialized training. Take Boeing’s recent Starliner launch—two astronauts and thousands of experts helping to ensure safety and success.
The recent DOL report, Find Your Place in Space, highlights ten occupations in the space sector that offer good pay and growing job opportunities. In the link you’ll find data on employment growth, wages, educational requirements and future job openings–everything you need to start learning more about careers in space.
The report also highlights three occupations where training at Washington’s Community and Technical Colleges can help you enter the industry. The data from USDOL’s Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook:
Aerospace Technicians help Engineers design, develop and test products that will go into space.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 8% (faster than average)
Annual wage, 2024: $77,830
Occupational openings nationally, 2022–32 annually: 1,000
HVAC mechanics and installers work on the systems that control temperature and air quality in an aircraft.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 6% (faster than average)
Annual wage, 2024: $57,300
Occupational openings nationally, 2022–32 annually: 37,700
Industrial Machinery Mechanics detect and repair equipment before the machines are damaged.
Employment growth, projected 2022–32: 15% (much faster than average)
Annual wage, 2024: $61,420
Occupational openings nationally, 2022–32 annually: 39,200
Beyond Boeing, Washington’s space industry continues to grow rapidly, with companies like Blue Origin and SpaceX continuing to hire. According to Senator Maria Cantwell, “The space industry in Washington state doubled between 2018 and 2022, and now supports more than 13,000 jobs.” A recent study from the Puget Sound Regional Council estimated that the space industry contributed $4.6 billion in economic activity to Washington communities annually, bringing in $1.6 billion in labor income overall. And Washington’s Department of Commerce shares that over half of the satellites in low-earth orbit are manufactured in Washington.
Want to learn more about your place in space? Read more at nasa.gov.