Aviation & Aerospace
Aviation and aerospace move people and cargo and build the aircraft, satellites and systems that make it possible. Standards, training and safety culture are unusually rigorous.
Careers
21
Salary range
R220k – R1.3m
Demand
Strong post-recovery, with pilot and technician shortages.
Why this industry matters
Global connectivity and defence capability both depend on this sector.
Major career pathways
- Pilot
- Aircraft maintenance engineer
- Air traffic controller
- Aerospace engineer
Career map
Study
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aviation Management
- Aerospace Engineering
Entry roles
- Pilot
- Aircraft maintenance engineer
- Air traffic controller
Specialise
- Aerodynamics
- Avionics
- Maintenance standards
Lead
- Air traffic controller
- Aerospace engineer
Typical employers & featured organisations
Airlines
Hires across aviation & aerospace roles at graduate and experienced level.
Airports
Hires across aviation & aerospace roles at graduate and experienced level.
MRO providers
Hires across aviation & aerospace roles at graduate and experienced level.
Defence and space agencies
Hires across aviation & aerospace roles at graduate and experienced level.
Qualifications & certifications
Required qualifications
- Aerospace engineering degree, or licensed pilot / AME training
Professional certifications
- Commercial pilot licence
- Aircraft maintenance licence
- ATC rating
Skills that get you hired
Technical skills
- Aerodynamics
- Avionics
- Maintenance standards
- Air traffic procedures
- Precision
Soft skills
- Communication
- Problem solving
- Teamwork
- Adaptability
- Time management
Salary progression
Entry level
R220k – R380k
Mid level
R420k – R770k
Senior level
R840k – R1.3m
Career progression timeline
Years 0–2
Learn the fundamentals in an entry role such as pilot.
Years 2–5
Specialise. Depth in aerodynamics and avionics is what moves your salary.
Years 5–10
Lead projects or teams, or move into aerospace engineer.
Years 10+
Senior specialist, management or independent consulting — the pay bands diverge sharply here.
Future trends & emerging technology
- Sustainable aviation fuel
- Small satellites
- Advanced air mobility
How AI is changing this industry
Flight optimisation and predictive maintenance improve; licensing keeps humans accountable.
Where to study
University degrees
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aviation Management
- Aerospace Engineering
TVET & vocational
- Aircraft maintenance apprenticeships
- Cabin crew training
Online learning
- Aviation safety courses
- Space systems MOOCs
Internships, apprenticeships & graduate programmes
- Graduate programmes at large employers
- Structured internships (3–12 months)
- Apprenticeships and learnerships
- Volunteer and community projects