Aeronautical engineer: Salary and conditions

Range of typical starting salaries: £22,000 - £30,000 (salary data collected May 08).
Range of typical salaries with three to five years' experience: £35,000 - £55,000 (salary data collected May 08).
Range of typical salaries at senior levels: £50,000 - £65,000 (salary data collected May 08).
Higher starting salaries may be offered to those with Masters or research qualifications. Larger, more renowned employers may offer higher salaries. Salaries do not vary greatly between regions.
Working hours are mainly nine to five, but extra hours may be required to complete projects to deadlines. Aeronautical engineers often work on an 'on-call' basis for consultation if there is a request to change the priority of repairs or modifications or in case of emergency investigation.
Work is undertaken in a design or airport office or aeronautical laboratory, with visits to sites, other industrial companies and experimental establishments.
Design work in a laboratory will involve the use of sophisticated computer visualisation tools and software.
The work is often in a team, with close working between colleagues and departments. There is also a heavy reliance on research.
Self-employment opportunities are very limited. Freelance consultants are usually employed from agencies.
Working at the forefront of technology makes long career breaks difficult as professionals need to keep up to date with industry developments.
Jobs are widely available in a number of locations in the UK and abroad. The UK has a very advanced aerospace industry, which is at the forefront of technological and scientific development.
Women have the same opportunities as men, although they presently represent approximately 5% in the field. Organisations such as The Women's Engineering Society (WES) and Women Into Science, Engineering and Construction (WISE) offer support and access to other initiatives relevant to women engineers.
This is rewarding, demanding and absorbing work, requiring dedication and enthusiasm. The work may vary in content from day to day and can be stressful when deadlines approach. Work must be precise as the consequences of human error can be serious.
Travel within a working day and absence from home at night are necessary for visits to aircraft workshops or hangars to inspect aircraft that require modifications or repairs. Overseas travel may be required to attend courses and conferences on aeronautical engineering.

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