Expert: Paul Soderman - 10/31/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I plan on pursuing Aeronautical/ Aerospace Engineering.
Could please tell me what it pays. Someone told me that
engineers usually don't get paid that much. Secondly, in the
future would there be a demand of aeronautical engineers?

Thanks

ANSWER: Salaries depend on many things such as education, experience, location, industry, academic record, interview skills and more.  Check the statistics at:

http://swz.salary.com/salarywizard/layouthtmls/swzl_narrowbrief_EN01.html

Search on Level 1 Aerospace Engineer.  I think engineer salaries are good in this economic environment.  More importantly, you can have an interesting career if you search for that job that is challenging, fun and rewarding.  There will always be a demand for engineers in a society that runs on technology.  Who knows more about technology than engineers ?  Yes, my comments include aeronautical engineers as well.
Paul

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: By the way which is better Aerospace or Aeronautical?

Answer
A vague question.

If you mean which is better for getting at job, they are basically equivalent though more job descriptions employ the word aerospace.  However, the academic programs are very similar and an aerospace company would probably not hesitate to hire an aeronautical engineer.

If you mean which is the better descriptor of the field, 'aerospace' refers to flight in air and space; 'aeronautical' refers to flight in air.  They are both good.  Take your pick.
Paul