Aerospace Technology is one of Florida's premier career pathways, leveraging the state's unmatched aerospace heritage and current industry leadership. The pathway prepares students for manufacturing, assembly, testing, and maintenance roles in aerospace companies spanning from SpaceX operations in Brevard County to NASA's Kennedy Space Center and numerous defense contractors. Students master precision manufacturing, composite materials, avionics systems, and the zero-defect quality standards demanded in space exploration and defense applications.
Florida's aerospace sector employs tens of thousands across the Space Coast and throughout the state, offering high-wage careers with excellent benefits and advancement potential. The pathway positions students for immediate aerospace manufacturing employment, apprenticeships with major contractors, or advancement into aerospace engineering and management roles. Working on components for space vehicles and commercial aircraft provides meaningful work contributing to humanity's exploration and transportation capabilities.
Graduates pursue careers with SpaceX, established aerospace manufacturers, Kennedy Space Center contractors, and defense suppliers, with opportunities to advance into engineering, quality management, and project leadership positions. The combination of high wages, career stability, and the prestige of aerospace work makes this an exceptional pathway.
Aerospace Technology at a Glance
1
Courses
6
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Florida's Aerospace Technology curriculum emphasizes precision and quality standards required in aerospace manufacturing and operations. Students learn composite material fabrication, CNC machining operations, avionics systems, quality control procedures, and industry certifications aligned with AS9100 (aerospace quality standards), FAA requirements, and NASA specifications.
The program incorporates Florida's aerospace heritage and current industry practices, including training on systems used at Kennedy Space Center and commercial launch facilities. Students develop expertise in technical drawings, metrology, lean manufacturing principles, and the zero-defect manufacturing philosophy essential to space and defense work.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course | Code |
|---|---|
| Advanced Aerospace Technology | 9401200 |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Aerospace Manufacturing Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $65,110 - $108,300
CNC Machinist (Aerospace)
ExperiencedSalary range: $43,080 - $61,640
Aerospace Quality Inspector
ExperiencedSalary range: $102,960 - $150,940
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer
ExperiencedSalary range: $102,960 - $150,940
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Students intern with aerospace manufacturers, SpaceX facilities, NASA contractors, and defense suppliers throughout Florida's Space Coast, working on actual components for space vehicles and commercial aircraft.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in SkillsUSA, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Florida CTE Programs
AI-Powered Curriculum
Generate standards-aligned lesson plans in minutes, not months
Florida Standards Built In
Pre-loaded with Florida's CTE standards and frameworks
Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Florida standards and industry needs evolve
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