The aerospace industry is hitting new altitudes in 2025 – and the numbers don’t lie. With continued innovation, private sector investment, and an increasing need for advanced air mobility, the sector is gearing up for massive growth. If you’re a business or professional in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, or defense, now is the time to prepare for what’s ahead.
A Look at the Numbers
Here are some fast facts about where the industry stands right now:
- The U.S. aerospace and defense sector employs over 2.2 million people – accounting for 1.4% of all U.S. jobs.
- The average salary in this space? A competitive $112,000/year, nearly 50% above the national average.
- Aerospace engineering roles are projected to grow 6% through 2033.
- Technologists and technicians are seeing even greater demand, with 8% growth expected over the next 8 years.
- The space sector saw its workforce grow by 4.8% in 2024, and shows no signs of slowing down.
- Globally, the aerospace market is expected to reach $430.9 billion by the end of 2025.
What’s driving this surge? Advancements in satellite tech, growing demand for sustainable aircraft, and momentum in the private space industry. Colorado, in particular, continues to shine as a hub for innovation and talent.
Growth Brings Growing Pains
With expansion comes pressure. Employers across the aerospace and manufacturing sectors are already feeling the pinch when it comes to skilled labor.
Here’s what we’re hearing from companies in the field:
- The workforce is aging – 29% of aerospace and defense employees are 55 or older.
- Many employers are struggling with attracting and retaining talent in a competitive labor market.
- There’s a growing need to upskill current employees to meet emerging technology demands.
- Businesses are exploring early talent pipelines through trade schools, apprenticeship programs, and workforce development partnerships.
These challenges are not unique to aerospace, but the stakes are higher given the rapid pace of change in this industry.
What Employers and Job Seekers Can Expect Next
The next 1–5 years are expected to bring:
- Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) services (think urban air taxis and autonomous cargo drones) coming online in 2025–2026 (crazy, right?!)
- A wave of retirements across experienced roles, creating opportunity and urgency
- Increased demand for engineers, machinists, technicians, project managers, and skilled trades professionals
- An emphasis on adaptability, tech-forward skills, and cross-functional experience
In short: the future of aerospace isn’t just about rockets and drones – it’s about people being able to support a world with those in it.
How ROLINC Is Supporting the Industry
At ROLINC, we’ve been placing top talent in skilled trades, engineering, and technical roles for over 30 years. As this industry continues to shift, we’re helping our clients find candidates who not only meet the job requirements today, but are prepared to grow into the needs of tomorrow.
Whether you’re ramping up hiring, looking to retain top talent, or exploring new career opportunities, we’re here to help you take that next step forward.
📩 Want to talk about your hiring goals for 2025 and beyond? Contact Us.
The industry is evolving. Let’s evolve with it.
ROLINC is a proud member of CSBR, the Colorado Space Business Roundtable (CSBR) unites aerospace stakeholders from industry, government, and academia for collaborative discussions.
About CSBR: At CSBR, we share a common goal: advancing the growth of Colorado’s aerospace sector. From startups to established corporations, government agencies to academic institutions, we work together to be the collective voice of Colorado aerospace, shaping the industry’s future.