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
Local evidence pages
High-intent Aerospace Engineer salary checks
These pages answer location-specific searches where a national median is not enough. Use them when the question is about an exact city posting, local credential path, or city-specific salary range.
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
Related Engineering Jobs
Aerospace Engineer Salary FAQ
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in 2026?
The median salary for a Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $124,000 per year in 2026. Entry-level positions start around $81,000, while senior professionals earn up to $161,000. Top earners in the field can make $187,000 or more annually.
What education is needed to become a Aerospace Engineer?
A Aerospace Engineer typically requires a Bachelor's Degree with 2-5 years of experience. Key skills include Aerodynamics, MATLAB, CFD. Relevant certifications such as PE License or FE Exam can boost earning potential and career advancement.
What is the job outlook for Aerospace Engineers?
The job market for Aerospace Engineers is projected to grow by 6% over the next decade. There are currently approximately 65K Aerospace Engineer positions in the US. Salary growth over the past 5 years has been approximately 15%, reflecting steady demand for this role.
Which states pay Aerospace Engineers the most?
The highest-paying states for Aerospace Engineers include California, Washington, Texas. In California, the median salary is approximately $146,000. However, cost of living varies significantly, so adjusted purchasing power should be considered when comparing salaries across states.
How can I increase my Aerospace Engineer salary?
To increase your Aerospace Engineer salary, focus on gaining expertise in high-demand skills like Aerodynamics and MATLAB. Pursue certifications such as PE License. Consider relocating to higher-paying markets like Los Angeles. With 2-5 years of experience, you can progress from $81,000 to $161,000 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources — Aerospace Engineer Salary
How we calculate Aerospace Engineer salary data: Our figures combine BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) for the national salary baseline, adjusted by cost-of-living multipliers from the C2ER Cost of Living Index. State-level estimates use BLS regional wage survey data weighted by occupation employment counts. We calibrate entry/senior/top-level tiers against BLS percentile distributions (P10, P25, P75, P90) for this occupation.
- National median salary: $124,000 — sourced from BLS OEWS for SOC code corresponding to Aerospace Engineer in the Engineering sector.
- Entry-level ($81,000) and senior-level ($161,000) figures reflect BLS P25 and P75 percentile wage estimates adjusted for experience.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth through 2034, from BLS Employment Projections program. Approximately 65K total positions nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% over the past 5 years, derived from BLS Employment Cost Index for Engineering sector wages.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State-level estimates use BLS regional CPI-U data and OEWS metropolitan area wage surveys, normalized to the national median of $124,000.
Authoritative US data sources for Aerospace Engineer compensation:
- BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) — national and metro-area salary data
- BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Aerospace Engineer job projections, education, and career outlook
- BLS Employment Projections — 10-year occupation growth and decline data
- BLS Employment Cost Index — quarterly compensation trend data for Engineering
- BLS Consumer Price Index (CPI-U) — regional inflation for cost-of-living wage adjustments
- IRS Revenue Procedure 2025-32 summary — 2026 federal tax brackets and standard deductions
Disclaimer: Aerospace Engineer salary figures are statistical estimates for general guidance. Actual compensation depends on employer, location, negotiation, specific skills (Aerodynamics, MATLAB, CFD), certifications, and industry conditions. Always verify with multiple sources including current job listings, recruiter data, and direct employer offers before making career decisions.
Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS data current as of latest OEWS annual release
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