Chief Engineer
Twin Tier Hospitality – Columbus, OH
How much does a Chief Aerospace Engineer make in the United States? As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Chief Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $98,393 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Chief Aerospace Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here's a look at the typical salary range:
Chief Aerospace Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $106,241 | $8,853 | $2,043 | $51 |
| Average | $98,393 | $8,199 | $1,892 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,491 | $7,708 | $1,779 | $44 |
A Chief 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 a Chief 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Electrical Engineer I | less than 1 year | $79,824 |
| Chief Aerospace Engineer | 1-2 years | $96,757 |
| Electrical Engineer III | 2-4 years | $117,691 |
| Electrical Engineer IV | 5-8 years | $140,134 |
| Electrical Engineer V | over 8 years | $162,566 |
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 Chief Aerospace Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Chief 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 a Chief Aerospace Engineer with a Bachelor's is between $91,997 and $96,015.
| Typical Education for Chief Aerospace Engineer | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Degree | 0.7% |
| High School | 0.7% |
| Associate's Degree | 1.2% |
| Bachelor's Degree | 50.3% |
| Master's Degree or MBA | 44.4% |
| JD, MD, PhD or Equivalent | 3.3% |
Understanding how a Chief 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 | $106,241 | $8,853 | $2,043 | $51 |
| Average | $98,393 | $8,199 | $1,892 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $92,491 | $7,708 | $1,779 | $44 |
Salaries for a Chief Aerospace Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,949 in 2023 to around $102,524 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Chief Aerospace Engineer salary trends, click here.
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $108,949 |
| 2024 | $106,298 |
| 2025 | $102,524 |
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Chief Aerospace Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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