NOC 2021 · 21390 · TEER 1
NOC 21390: Aerospace engineers
Official NOC 2021, Job Bank and IRCC data · checked 21 October 2026
Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components, and perform duties related to their testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance. They are employed by aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research institutions.
TEER
TEER 1
Usually needs a university degree
Median wage (Canada)
$50.00 / hour
Job Bank, 2023-2024
High-wage tier (from 3 Nov 2026)
Tier 2
+40 CRS for Canadian work, or 70 for a job offer
Express Entry categories
None
General and program draws only
Express Entry
How NOC 21390 counts for Express Entry
- Federal Skilled Worker: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of continuous skilled (TEER 0–3) work in the last 10 years and 67 points on the FSW grid.
- Canadian Experience Class: eligible occupationNeeds 1 year of skilled (TEER 0–3) work in Canada in the last 3 years.
- Federal Skilled Trades: not eligibleNeeds 2 years of work in an eligible trade group in the last 5 years, plus a job offer or a Canadian certificate of qualification.
High-wage CRS points
NOC 21390 is in tier 2 of IRCC's high-wage list, in effect from 3 November 2026.
| 12+ months of Canadian work | +40 points on top of work-length points |
|---|---|
| Qualifying job offer (no LMIA) | 70 points |
You get whichever option scores higher, not both.
See all 186 high-wage occupationsCategory-based draws
NOC 21390 is not on any of IRCC's 2026 occupation categories. You can still be invited through general, program-specific or French-language draws.
IRCC category listsDuties
Main duties
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
- Design and develop aerospace vehicles, systems and components such as aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, satellites and space-based communication systems
- Develop and conduct computer simulations of aerospace vehicles, systems and components using advanced mathematical modelling
- Prepare specifications for materials and processes to be used in aerospace manufacturing, maintenance, repair or modification
- Supervise and coordinate the manufacturing, assembly, modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft
- Co-ordinate ground and flight tests of air and spacecraft
- Develop operational specifications, maintenance schedules and manuals for operators
- Develop the technical phases of logistical and operational support for aerospace vehicles and systems
- Investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action.
For Express Entry, your experience must match the lead statement and most of these duties, not only the job title.
Job titles
Example job titles
- aerodynamics engineer
- aeronautical engineer
- aerospace engineer
- aerospace structural engineer
- aerospace systems engineer
- aerospace test engineer
- aircraft design engineer
- stress engineer - aerospace
All 27 job titles in NOC 21390
- aerodynamics engineer
- aeronautical engineer
- aeronautical project engineer
- aerospace engineer
- aerospace engineer - design and development
- aerospace engineer - flight operations
- aerospace engineer - flight support
- aerospace engineer - flight test
- aerospace engineer - mass properties
- aerospace engineer - material stress
- aerospace engineer - materials and processes
- aerospace engineer - propulsion systems
- aerospace engineer - systems
- aerospace engineer - systems analysis
- aerospace engineer - weight and balance
- aerospace engineering officer - Canadian Armed Forces
- aerospace reliability specialist
- aerospace structural engineer
- aerospace systems engineer
- aerospace test engineer
- aircraft design engineer
- engineer weight analyst - aircraft design
- propulsion engineer - aerospace vehicles
- space reliability specialist
- stress engineer - aerospace
- structures aerospace engineer
- weight and balance engineer - aerospace
Requirements
Employment requirements
- A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required.
- A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required.
- Licensing by a provincial or territorial association of professional engineers is required to approve engineering drawings and reports and to practise as a Professional Engineer (P.Eng.).
- Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination.
Additional information
- There is considerable mobility between aerospace engineering specializations at the less senior levels.
- Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.
- Aerospace engineers work closely with other scientists and engineers and mobility is possible between some fields of specialization.
- Engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment and acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to practise in associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
This occupation may be regulated in some provinces. You may need a licence or certificate from the provincial regulator before you can work in it in Canada, even if you hold permanent residence.
Wages
Wages for NOC 21390 in Canada
Low, median and high wages per hour in Canadian dollars, from ESDC Job Bank's 2025 wage data.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $33.76 | $50.00 | $100.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Nova Scotia | $28.92 | $47.00 | $70.73 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Quebec | $34.00 | $47.60 | $100.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Ontario | $31.25 | $56.41 | $100.00 | Labour Force Survey, 2023-2024 |
| Manitoba | $34.42 | $48.49 | $63.08 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| Alberta | $28.51 | $43.76 | $67.36 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
| British Columbia | $33.70 | $47.47 | $69.60 | Small Area Estimation, 2024 |
Provinces with too little data are not shown. Wages vary by city and employer; see Job Bank for regional figures.
Job outlook
Job outlook by province, 2025–2027
Job Bank rates the 3-year outlook as good or very good in Manitoba, British Columbia.
GoodManitoba
The employment outlook will be Good for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in Manitoba for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in Manitoba:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 30%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 30%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 22%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 13%
86% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 14% work only part of the year, compared to 65% and 35% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 83% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: 17% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 6% compared to 31% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 22% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 47% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 25% compared to 8% for all occupations
GoodBritish Columbia
The employment outlook will be Good for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in British Columbia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
The BC aerospace industry leads Canada in maintenance, repair and overhaul and modifications activity.
Large investments that will create employment opportunities include De Havilland Canada's decision to build components for airplanes in Saanich (Vancouver Island).
Also, at the end of 2023, Boeing was awarded a contract for P-8A Poseidon Aircraft.
Boeing’s investment includes upgrading the technology at its Vancouver facility and investments in COTA Aviation, an Indigenous-owned company based in Parksville (on Vancouver Island).
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in British Columbia:
Approximately 250 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Ship and Boat Building (NAICS 3366): 42%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 20%
Air transportation (NAICS 481): 14%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 12%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 9%
88% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 12% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 49 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
7% of aerospace engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 17% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 84% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 16% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 23% compared to 17% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 48% compared to 22% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 12% for all occupations
ModerateNova Scotia
The employment outlook will be Moderate for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in Nova Scotia for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a moderate number of new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in Nova Scotia:
Approximately 50 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Computer and Electrical Manufacturing (NAICS 334-335): 27%
Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336, except 3366): 23%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 18%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 15%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482, 483, 486, 487, 493): 12%
77% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 48 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 77% compared to 51% for all occupations
Women: 23% compared to 49% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: n/a
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: 14% compared to 12% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: n/a
bachelor's degree: 36% compared to 20% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 36% compared to 10% for all occupations
ModerateQuebec
The employment outlook will be Moderate for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in Quebec for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment is expected to remain relatively stable.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in Quebec:
Approximately 2,650 people work in this occupation.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 60%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 12%
Machinery manufacturing (NAICS 333): 7%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 5%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing (NAICS 334): 5%
78% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 22% work only part of the year, compared to 62% and 38% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 47 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
6% of aerospace engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 12% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 84% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 16% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 12% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 19% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 13% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 38% compared to 17% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 43% compared to 11% for all occupations
ModerateOntario
The employment outlook will be Moderate for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in Ontario for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
What Types of Employers Are Out There?
Manufacturers of aerospace product and parts
Companies that provide engineering and related services
Federal government defence services
What are the Main Trends Affecting Employment?
Significant investments in the aerospace cluster
Improvement in the level of global air travel
Demand for aerospace engineers in defence services depends on military spending
What Skills Do I Need to Succeed?
Generally, ‘engineering’ is a regulated occupation in Ontario, and individuals must be licensed by Professional Engineers Ontario (PEO) to practise ‘professional’ engineering in the province
An unlicensed engineering graduate can carry out work in the occupation; however, a licensed engineer must take responsibility and sign off on work
What Other Information Will I Find Helpful?
In general, Bridging Programs are available to assist internationally trained professionals in various fields enter the labour market more quickly in the province.
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in Ontario:
Approximately 2,900 people work in this occupation.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Other transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 3364-3369): 37%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 17%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 17%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 11%
Computer and electronic product manufacturing (NAICS 334): 5%
76% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 24% work only part of the year, compared to 63% and 37% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 46 weeks compared to 43 weeks for all occupations.
10% of aerospace engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: 88% compared to 52% for all occupations
Women: 12% compared to 48% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: less than 5% compared to 9% for all occupations
high school diploma or equivalent: less than 5% compared to 25% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: less than 5% compared to 8% for all occupations
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 12% compared to 22% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 45% compared to 24% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 39% compared to 13% for all occupations
ModerateAlberta
The employment outlook will be Moderate for aerospace engineers (NOC 21390) in Alberta for the 2025-2027 period.
The following factors contributed to this outlook:
Employment growth will lead to a few new positions.
Several positions will become available due to retirements.
There are a small number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Here are some key facts about aerospace engineers in Alberta:
Approximately 150 people worked in this occupation in May 2021.
Aerospace engineers mainly work in the following sectors:
Transportation equipment manufacturing (NAICS 336): 33%
Federal government public administration (NAICS 911): 23%
Architectural, engineering and design services (NAICS 5413): 19%
Other transportation and warehousing (NAICS 482-483, 486, 487, 493): 10%
Air transportation (NAICS 481): 10%
77% of aerospace engineers work all year, while 23% work only part of the year, compared to 61% and 39% respectively among all occupations. Those who worked only part of the year did so for an average of 45 weeks compared to 42 weeks for all occupations.
7% of aerospace engineers are self-employed compared to an average of 15% for all occupations.
The gender distribution of people in this occupation is:
Men: more than 95% compared to 53% for all occupations
Women: less than 5% compared to 47% for all occupations
The educational attainment of workers in this occupation is:
no high school diploma: n/a
high school diploma or equivalent: 7% compared to 28% for all occupations
apprenticeship or trades certificate or diploma: n/a
college certificate or diploma or university certificate below bachelor's: 14% compared to 19% for all occupations
bachelor's degree: 41% compared to 21% for all occupations
university certificate, degree or diploma above bachelor level: 21% compared to 9% for all occupations
UndeterminedNewfoundland and Labrador
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedPrince Edward Island
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNew Brunswick
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedSaskatchewan
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNorthwest Territories
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
UndeterminedNunavut
An employment outlook has not been assigned to this occupation in this region due to low levels of employment.
Source: ESDC Job Bank, 3-year employment outlooks 2025–2027 (released December 2025).
Provinces
Provincial Nominee Programs
A provincial nomination adds 600 CRS points. Most provinces run occupation-targeted draws or in-demand lists, and some accept TEER 4 and 5 occupations that Express Entry does not.
Provincial lists change often, sometimes between draws. We check whether NOC 21390 is being targeted by any province as part of a consultation.
Similar occupations
Related NOC codes
Classified elsewhere
If your duties fit one of these better, use that code instead.
Questions
NOC 21390: common questions
What is the NOC code for aerospace engineers?
What TEER category is NOC 21390?
Is NOC 21390 eligible for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21390 a high-wage occupation for Express Entry?
Is NOC 21390 eligible for category-based Express Entry draws?
What is the median wage for NOC 21390 in Canada?
Classification
Where it sits in NOC 2021
- 2Natural and applied sciences and related occupationsBroad Category
- 21Professional occupations in natural and applied sciencesMajor Group
- 213Professional occupations in engineeringSub-major Group
- 2139Other engineersMinor Group
- 21390Aerospace engineers
Enquiry
Is NOC 21390 your occupation? Ask us about your options.
Tell us your duties, experience and language scores. We will confirm your NOC code and the Canadian routes that fit.
Sources: Statistics Canada, NOC 2021 Version 1.0, Job Bank wages (2025), Job Bank outlooks 2025–2027 and IRCC. Contains information licensed under the Open Government Licence – Canada. Checked 21 October 2026.
NOC 2026 is due from Statistics Canada in December 2026. IRCC still uses NOC 2021 codes, and this page will show any change once IRCC switches.
This page is general information, not immigration advice. It is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Government of Canada, IRCC or ESDC.
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