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
$134,960
$11,247/mo
Entry Level
$88,200
starting pay
Senior Level
$175,200
experienced
Job Growth
+6%
10-yr outlook
BLS OEWS May 2025 · official national figures
BLS reports Aerospace Engineers (SOC 17-2011) at a national median of $134,960 per year (mean $142,060), or $64.89 per hour, with 67,710 people employed nationwide. The median above is this BLS figure; the entry, senior and top tiers are Salario estimates calibrated to it. Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 release.
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)
68K
5-Year Growth
+15%
Category
Engineering
Hourly Rate
$64.89/hr
Monthly Pay
$11,247
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
$146,000
$12,167/month · $5,615/biweekly · $70.19/hr
Aerospace Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the Aerospace Engineer field.
Entry-level Aerospace Engineers earn around $88,200, while the top 10% earn $189,350 or more.
Top Paying States for Aerospace Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $159,000 | +$24,040 |
| Washington | $151,000 | +$16,040 |
| Texas | $132,000 | $-2,960 |
| Florida | $132,000 | $-2,960 |
| Alabama | $121,000 | $-13,960 |
Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | $154,000 | +$19,040 |
| Los Angeles | $151,000 | +$16,040 |
| Cape Canaveral | $135,000 | +$40 |
| Houston | $134,000 | $-960 |
| Huntsville | $128,000 | $-6,960 |
City figures are Salario estimates that scale the national median by a city cost-of-labor multiplier; BLS does not publish a metro-level series for this title.
Aerospace Engineer Salary by City
Published city-level wage and take-home pay guides for Aerospace Engineer.
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
Aerospace Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a Aerospace Engineer from entry level to expert.
$88,200
0-2 years
$132,000
3-7 years
$175,200
8-14 years
$203,500
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 $134,960 per year, the BLS OEWS May 2025 national median for Aerospace Engineers (SOC 17-2011); the mean is $142,060. Salario's calibrated tiers put entry-level positions around $88,200, senior professionals around $175,200, and top earners at $203,500 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 68K 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 $159,000. 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 $88,200 to $175,200 or more.
Methodology & Data Sources: Aerospace Engineer Salary
How we calculate Aerospace Engineer salary data: The national median is the official BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median wage for Aerospace Engineers (SOC 17-2011), retrieved from the BLS Public Data API. The entry, senior and top tiers are a Salario model: the shape of the distribution is Salario's, rescaled so that its median equals the BLS median. State and most city figures are Salario estimates that apply cost-of-labor multipliers to that median.
- National median salary: $134,960, BLS OEWS May 2025 annual median for Aerospace Engineers; BLS mean $142,060; BLS hourly median $64.89.
- Entry-level ($88,200) and senior-level ($175,200) are Salario tiers calibrated to the BLS median; they are not BLS percentiles. BLS publishes P10/P25/P75/P90 wages for this occupation in its OEWS tables.
- Job outlook: +6% projected growth is Salario's outlook figure; compare with the BLS Employment Projections program. BLS OEWS May 2025 counts 67,710 Aerospace Engineers jobs nationwide.
- 5-year salary growth: 15% is a Salario estimate of past 5-year wage growth for the Engineering sector, informed by the BLS Employment Cost Index.
- Education requirement: Bachelor's Degree, per BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook entry for this occupation.
- State and city estimates apply Salario cost-of-labor multipliers to the national median of $134,960; city rows marked "BLS metro" are real OEWS metropolitan-area medians instead.
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 Harlan Voss · Last updated May 17, 2026 · BLS figures: OEWS May 2025 release (published May 2026), retrieved from the BLS API on September 17, 2026
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