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How much does an Aerospace Engineer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $114,494 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, an Aerospace Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Aerospace Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $122,160 | $10,180 | $2,349 | $59 |
| Average | $114,494 | $9,541 | $2,202 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,353 | $8,946 | $2,064 | $52 |
An Aerospace Engineer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Engineer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer I | less than 1 year | $81,212 |
| Aerospace Engineer II | 1-2 years | $97,516 |
| Aerospace Engineer | 2-4 years | $112,897 |
| Aerospace Engineer IV | 5-8 years | $142,885 |
| Aerospace Engineer V | over 8 years | $164,980 |
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Aerospace Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Engineer professionals enter the field with a Bachelor's degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aerospace Engineer with a Bachelor's is between $113,828 and $119,335.
| Typical Education for Aerospace Engineer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.7% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associate's Degree | 2.7% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 31.8% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 49.5% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 12.4% |
Understanding how an Aerospace Engineer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $122,160 | $10,180 | $2,349 | $59 |
| Average | $114,494 | $9,541 | $2,202 | $55 |
| 25th Percentile | $107,353 | $8,946 | $2,064 | $52 |
Salaries for an Aerospace Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $120,208 in 2023 to around $119,069 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Engineer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $120,208 |
| 2024 | $120,368 |
| 2025 | $119,069 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 35% above the market median.
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