The average salary for an aerospace engineer in the U.S. is approximately $126,000 per year. Entry-level positions start around $75,000, while experienced engineers can earn over $160,000 annually. Salaries depend on factors like specialization, industry, education level, and geographic location.
Aerospace engineering remains one of the highest-paying engineering fields. Salary ranges depend on job title, industry, education, and location. The average aerospace engineer salary continues to rise as demand grows in defense, commercial space, and aircraft innovation.
U.S. Aerospace Engineer Salaries: National Averages
Aerospace engineers in the U.S. earn a median annual wage of $134,830, according to the latest labor statistics from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Entry-level engineers with a bachelor’s degree typically earn between $88,000 and $102,000, while senior engineers and project managers exceed $160,000.
Aerospace Engineering Salary Table
| Job Title / Specialization | Salary Range (USD Annual) | Notes/Details |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level Aerospace Engineer | $88,000 – $102,000 | Starting salaries; varies by company and location. |
| Systems Engineer | $100,000 – $110,000 | Mid-level; focuses on integration and systems design. |
| Design Engineer | $90,000 – $100,000 | Involved in aircraft and spacecraft structural design. |
| Project Manager | $130,000 – $180,000 | Senior role overseeing engineering projects. |
| Senior Aerospace Engineer | $150,000 – $200,000 | Leads teams; deep engineering and project skills. |
| Aerodynamics Specialist | $75,000 – $130,000 | Focuses on airflow performance and efficiency. |
| Propulsion Systems Engineer | $80,000 – $140,000 | Works with engines and propulsion systems. |
| Avionics Engineer | $85,000 – $150,000 | Specializes in aircraft electronic systems. |
| Structures and Materials Engineer | $75,000 – $135,000 | Focus on aircraft materials and integrity. |
| Flight Mechanics and Control Engineer | $80,000 – $145,000 | Works on control and flight dynamics. |
| Average Aerospace Engineer (U.S.) | Median: $134,830 | Based on May 2024 BLS data; varies by state and employer. |
| Top Employers (e.g., SpaceX, Raytheon) | Up to $258,000+ total comp. | Includes bonuses, stock, perks in high-cost areas. |
How Education and Certifications Affect
Engineers with advanced degrees and certifications earn more. A master’s degree can increase base salary by 10–20%. Engineers with a Professional Engineering (PE) license or credentials like PMP (Project Management Professional) earn even more, especially in senior roles.
- Bachelor’s degree: required for entry-level jobs
- Master’s degree: boosts technical or managerial roles
- PE License: required for certain government or consulting roles
- Continuing education: often leads to project leadership roles
Specialized certifications also support career advancement in systems engineering, aerospace design, and avionics.
Experience Level and Its Impact on Salary
Typical salary by experience:
- 0–2 years: $88,000–$102,000
- 3–5 years: $105,000–$125,000
- 6–10 years: $130,000–$160,000
- 10+ years: $160,000–$200,000+
Career growth increases with leadership responsibilities and advanced technical expertise.
Industries That Offer the Highest Aerospace Engineer Salaries
Aerospace engineers earn the highest salaries in defense, space, and commercial aviation. Companies like Lockheed Martin, SpaceX, Boeing, and Raytheon offer total compensation packages that exceed $200,000.
Top-paying aerospace industries:
- Defense contracting (e.g., Northrop Grumman, Raytheon)
- Commercial space (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin)
- Aircraft manufacturing (e.g., Boeing, Airbus)
- Space research (e.g., NASA, Jet Propulsion Laboratory)
- Government-funded research labs
Salaries are especially high for aerospace product development roles, testing aircraft, propulsion systems, and launch vehicles.
Salaries by Location: Highest Paying States and Cities
Geography matters. Aerospace hubs like California, Washington, and Colorado pay 15–30% more than national averages due to cost of living and demand for top talent.
Highest paying states:
- California: Bay Area, Southern CA aerospace corridor
- Washington: Seattle and surrounding areas (Boeing HQ)
- Colorado: Denver metro, home to aerospace R&D
- Texas: Houston and Dallas-Fort Worth
- Maryland/Virginia: Near NASA and defense hubs
State annual average salaries vary significantly, from $100,000 in smaller markets to over $160,000 in metro areas.
International Comparison: Aerospace Engineering Salaries Globally
U.S. aerospace engineers earn more than peers in most other countries. Engineers in the UK, Germany, and Canada earn between $60,000 and $100,000 USD equivalent. Australia offers salaries close to U.S. ranges but often includes fewer bonuses or stock incentives.
Key international benchmarks:
- Germany: €55,000–€80,000/year
- Canada: CAD $70,000–$105,000/year
- UK: £45,000–£75,000/year
- Australia: AUD $90,000–$120,000/year
These ranges depend on experience, specialization, and employer size. Global employers seek engineers with U.S. degrees and strong practical experience.
Job Outlook and Future Salary Trends
According to BLS labor statistics, aerospace engineering jobs are expected to grow by 6% from 2023 to 2032. Demand will stay high due to technological advancements, national defense priorities, and the rise of private space missions.
Trends driving growth:
- Small satellites and launch vehicles
- Defense modernization
- Forest fire detection via drones and aircraft
- Climate-monitoring systems
- Commercial space travel
AI, automation, and software-defined aircraft systems will also shape the aerospace field, driving demand for engineers with coding and electronics knowledge.
The Most Popular Questions Asked
These are the top 6 Questions we get asked when discussing Aerospace Engineering Salaries
How do aerospace engineering salaries vary between defense contractors and commercial space companies?
Defense contractors offer more stable base pay and benefits. Commercial companies like SpaceX or Blue Origin may offer higher total compensation due to stock options and bonuses.
Does specialization within aerospace engineering significantly impact salary growth over time?
Yes. Specialties like avionics, propulsion systems, and flight mechanics often lead to higher salaries, especially with experience and advanced degrees.
How does geographic location within the U.S. affect aerospace engineer salaries?
Engineers in aerospace hubs such as California and Washington earn 15–30% more than national averages. Salaries in lower-cost regions can be lower but offer better housing and living conditions.
Are there significant salary differences between aerospace engineers working in government agencies versus private industry?
Government agency salaries are typically lower, but benefits include better pensions, job stability, and balanced work hours. Private sector roles offer higher average total compensation and faster salary growth.
How do stock options and bonuses influence total compensation for aerospace engineers at top companies?
Bonuses and stock options can exceed $50,000 per year for top performers at companies like SpaceX, Raytheon, or Lockheed Martin. Total compensation may reach over $250,000 in some roles.
What is the long-term salary trajectory for aerospace engineers who transition into management or project leadership?
Project managers and senior leaders in aerospace engineering often earn 30–50% more than technical roles. Salaries exceed $160,000, especially in roles requiring management skills and strategic planning.
What Drives Aerospace Engineer Salaries?
Aerospace engineer salaries are among the highest in engineering due to advanced technical demands, strict qualifications, and specialized roles. Engineers with a bachelor’s degree and relevant skills can start strong and rapidly advance. Experience, education, and industry specialization all drive higher pay.
Key salary factors:
- Education level (bachelor’s, master’s, PE license)
- Years of experience
- Specialization (e.g., propulsion, avionics)
- Location and cost of living
- Industry sector (defense, space, commercial)
For students and professionals planning careers in aerospace, investing in engineering principles, continuing education, and project management skills will increase both salary and advancement opportunities in this growing and exciting field.
