South Carolina’s aerospace industry has experienced explosive growth since Boeing opened its 787 Dreamliner assembly line in North Charleston in 2011. Today, the state is home to over 400 aerospace-related companies employing more than 25,000 workers, making it one of the fastest-growing aerospace clusters in the nation.
Key Employers
- Boeing South Carolina — 787 Dreamliner assembly, 6,000+ employees
- Lockheed Martin — Defense and space systems in Greenville
- GE Aviation — Jet engine components manufacturing
- Toray Composite Materials — Carbon fiber for aircraft
- Stevens Aviation — MRO (Maintenance, Repair, Overhaul) in Greenville
Required Skills
- Aerospace manufacturing processes and composites
- AS9100 quality management systems
- FAA regulations and airworthiness certification
- NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) techniques
- Engineering (mechanical, aerospace, electrical)
- ITAR compliance for defense-related products
Salary Range
Entry Level/Technician: $42,000 – $58,000 | Mid-Career Engineer: $70,000 – $100,000 | Senior: $110,000 – $160,000+