What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary for San Diego, CA?
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As of June 01, 2026, the average Aerospace Engineer salary in San Diego, CA is $167,769. The chart below represents localized salaries for some of our most popular Aerospace Engineer job titles in San Diego, CA. Salaries can vary greatly depending on numerous factors, including position, location, years of experience, and level of education. Salary.com’s team of Certified Compensation Professionals analyzed survey data collected from thousands of HR departments at companies of all sizes and industries to compile a range of salaries for various Aerospace Engineer job titles in San Diego, CA. Apply your personal criteria to one of the job titles below to get your personalized salary estimate.
Aerospace Engineer Salaries in San Diego, CA
| Job Title | Salary | Hourly Rate | Location | Date Updated |
| Aerospace Engineer III | $133,523 | $64.19 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Engineer II | $108,852 | $52.33 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Engineer IV | $164,102 | $78.90 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Engineer V | $199,260 | $95.80 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Engineer I | $96,998 | $46.63 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Engineer VI | $247,781 | $119.13 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I | $78,194 | $37.59 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer II | $94,196 | $45.29 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer III | $113,177 | $54.41 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
| Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV | $137,658 | $66.18 | San Diego, CA | June 01, 2026 |
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Aerospace Engineer III Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer III, Aerospace Engineer III
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Aerospace Engineer II Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer II, Aerospace Engineer II
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Aerospace Engineer IV Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV, Aerospace Engineer IV
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Typically requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience. Aerospace Engineer V Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer V, Aerospace Engineer V
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Aerospace Engineer I Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer I, Entry Level Aerospace Engineer, Aerospace Engineer I
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Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Typically requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization. Aerospace Engineer VI Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI, Aerospace Engineer VI
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Conducts service, repair, and overall maintenance tasks for aerospace products or parts to ensure the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Routinely tests and inspects aerospace components and installs replacements, repairs, or modifications to facilitate optimal and safe functionality. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed on aerospace components and documents and reports issues, malfunctions, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Recommends inspection procedures and retirement thresholds to ensure safe and optimal operation. Follows guidelines and technical handbooks to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Acts as a source of knowledge for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues and may perform maintenance demonstrations for customers or stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Engineer I, Aerospace Support Engineer I, Aerospace Maintenance Engineer ICategories : Engineering , Aerospace and Defense , Aviation and Airlines , Entry Level , Facilities, Maintenance, and Repair
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Conducts service, repair, and overall maintenance tasks for aerospace products or parts to ensure the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Routinely tests and inspects aerospace components and installs replacements, repairs, or modifications to facilitate optimal and safe functionality. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed on aerospace components and documents and reports issues, malfunctions, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Recommends inspection procedures and retirement thresholds to ensure safe and optimal operation. Follows guidelines and technical handbooks to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Acts as a source of knowledge for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues and may perform maintenance demonstrations for customers or stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience. Aerospace Maintenance Engineer II Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Engineer II, Aerospace Support Engineer II, Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IICategories : Engineering , Aerospace and Defense , Aviation and Airlines , Facilities, Maintenance, and Repair
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Conducts service, repair, and overall maintenance tasks for aerospace products or parts to ensure the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Routinely tests and inspects aerospace components and installs replacements, repairs, or modifications to facilitate optimal and safe functionality. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed on aerospace components and documents and reports issues, malfunctions, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Recommends inspection procedures and retirement thresholds to ensure safe and optimal operation. Follows guidelines and technical handbooks to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Acts as a source of knowledge for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues and may perform maintenance demonstrations for customers or stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience. Aerospace Maintenance Engineer III Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Engineer III, Aerospace Support Engineer III, Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IIICategories : Engineering , Aerospace and Defense , Aviation and Airlines , Facilities, Maintenance, and Repair
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Conducts service, repair, and overall maintenance tasks for aerospace products or parts to ensure the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Routinely tests and inspects aerospace components and installs replacements, repairs, or modifications to facilitate optimal and safe functionality. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed on aerospace components and documents and reports issues, malfunctions, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Recommends inspection procedures and retirement thresholds to ensure safe and optimal operation. Follows guidelines and technical handbooks to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Acts as a source of knowledge for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues and may perform maintenance demonstrations for customers or stakeholders. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is highly independent. May assume a team lead role for the work group. A specialist on complex technical and business matters. Typically requires 7+ years of related experience. Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV Salaries in San Diego, CAAlternate Job Titles:Aerospace Aviation Maintenance Engineer IV, Aerospace Support Engineer IV, Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IVCategories : Engineering , Aerospace and Defense , Aviation and Airlines , Facilities, Maintenance, and Repair