Aerospace Engineer Salary Guide
Aerospace engineers design, test, and oversee the manufacture of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They apply principles of aerodynamics, materials science, propulsion, and systems engineering to create safe, efficient aerospace systems, work across design, analysis, testing, and certification phases, and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and suppliers.
What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary?
Entry Level
$70,000 - $90,000
Mid Level
$90,000 - $120,000
Senior Level
$120,000 - $170,000+
How does Aerospace Engineer salary grow with experience?
Aerospace Engineer salary by location
What factors affect a Aerospace Engineer's salary?
- Security clearance level (Secret, TS, TS-SCI)
- Specialized skills (propulsion, avionics, CFD, MBSE, flight test)
- Employer type (prime contractor, OEM, defense contractor, government, startups)
- Location and local cost of living
- Degree level and certifications (MS/PhD, PE, relevant technical certifications)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aerospace Engineer Salaries
What is the average salary for an aerospace engineer in the United States?
The average U.S. aerospace engineer salary ranges widely by experience, typically about $80,000–$120,000; entry-level roles start near $70k and senior positions often exceed $130k.
How much does location affect aerospace engineer pay?
Location significantly affects pay — aerospace engineers in hubs like Seattle, Los Angeles, and Washington, D.C. generally earn 10–30% more than the national average due to local demand and higher cost of living.
Do security clearances increase aerospace engineer salaries?
Yes. Holding an active security clearance (Secret/Top Secret/TS-SCI) can increase pay by 10–25% and opens higher-paying defense and government contractor roles.
What skills or specialties most increase an aerospace engineer's salary?
Specialties such as propulsion, avionics, systems engineering, propulsion CFD, flight test engineering, and experience with model-based systems engineering (MBSE) or embedded software often command higher compensation.
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