Aerospace Engineer Salary in 2026
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, developing new technologies for aviation and defense. They test prototypes and manage aerospace systems.
Median Salary
$124,000
$10,333/mo
Entry Level
$81,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$161,000
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
Aerospace Engineer Overview
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles, developing new technologies for aviation and defense. They test prototypes and manage aerospace systems.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-5 years
Industry
Engineering
Total Jobs (US)
65K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$59.62/hr
Monthly Pay
$10,333
Aerospace Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated Aerospace Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated Aerospace Engineer Salary
$134,000
$11,167/month · $5,154/biweekly · $64.42/hr
Aerospace Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Aerospace Engineer field.
Entry-level Aerospace Engineers earn around $81,000, while the top 10% earn $174,000 or more.
Top Paying States for Aerospace Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $146,000 | +$22,000 |
| Washington | $139,000 | +$15,000 |
| Texas | $122,000 | $-2,000 |
| Florida | $122,000 | $-2,000 |
| Alabama | $112,000 | $-12,000 |
Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $141,000 | +$17,000 |
| Los Angeles | $139,000 | +$15,000 |
| Cape Canaveral | $124,000 | $0 |
| Houston | $123,000 | $-1,000 |
| Huntsville | $118,000 | $-6,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Aerospace Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Aerospace Engineer from entry level to expert.
$81,000
0-2 years
$121,000
3-7 years
$161,000
8-14 years
$187,000
15+ years
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Aerospace Engineer Salary FAQ
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