Aerospace Engineer Salary & Career Insights

What is the average salary for an aerospace engineer in the United States?

$130,720 per year

According to the BLS.gov, the average salary for an aerospace engineer in the United States is $130,720 annually. The lowest salary is $81,620 annually, and the highest is $188,910 annually.

Job Outlook & Work Environment

Job Outlook

🚀 68,900; estimated number of aerospace engineer jobs. It is estimated that 4,100 new jobs will be added by 2033.

☀️ The projected job outlook is expected to grow by 6%, which is faster than the average career growth.

Work Environment

💼 Most aerospace engineers work in offices, but some travel to meet clients.

🏢 40% of aerospace engineers work in aerospace product and parts manufacturing.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Comparison to Patent Law Salaries

How Does an Aerospace Engineer Salary Stack Up?

Aerospace engineers earn about the same annual salary as patent agents. However, patent agents with a background in aerospace may earn more than the typical patent agent. Patent attorneys ($185,000) earn significantly more than aerospace engineers ($130,000). Taking the patent bar and getting into a career in patent law may help boost an aerospace engineer’s income.

Top Aerospace Engineer Salaries by Industry

IndustryAverage Salary
Employment Services$166,020
Scientific Research and Development Services$148,530
Nonscheduled Air Transportation$146,090
Navigational and Control Instruments Manufacturing$145,730
Semiconductor and Other Electronic Component Manufacturing$144,390
Annual mean wages.

Salary by Aerospace Engineer Industry

In the U.S., the average aerospace engineering salary is $130,720.

Aerospace engineers in the Employment Services industry earn the highest salaries, averaging $166,020. Those working in Scientific Research and Development services follow, earning an average of $148,530.

Other high-paying industries include Nonscheduled Air Transportation and Navigational and Control Instruments Manufacturing, offering salaries of $146,090 and $145,730, respectively.

Experience & Education

Here are some typical daily activities of an aerospace engineer:

  • Working with Computers — Utilizing computers and systems, including hardware and software, for programming, software development, function setup, data entry, or information processing.
  • Processing Information — Organizing, coding, sorting, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying data and information.
  • Analyzing Data or Information — Breaking down information or data into separate components to uncover underlying principles, reasons, or facts.
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Assessing information and results to determine the best solution and resolve issues.
  • Getting Information — Gathering, observing, and acquiring information from all relevant sources.

Here are the typical skills you need to work as an aerospace engineer:

  • Critical Thinking — Applying logic and reasoning to discern the strengths and weaknesses of different solutions, conclusions, or problem-solving approaches.
  • Reading Comprehension — Grasping the meaning of written sentences and paragraphs within work-related documents.
  • Science — Employing scientific principles and methods to address and solve problems.
  • Active Listening — Fully engaging with what others are saying, taking the time to understand their points, asking relevant questions, and avoiding interruptions at inappropriate times.
  • Complex Problem Solving — Recognizing intricate problems, analyzing related information, and developing, assessing, and implementing solutions.

Knowledge required to work as an aerospace engineer:

  • Engineering and Technology — Expertise in practically applying engineering science and technology, involving principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment for designing and producing various goods and services.
  • Mathematics — Proficiency in arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their practical applications.
  • Design — Mastery of design techniques, tools, and principles for creating precise technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
  • Physics — Understanding and predicting physical principles and laws, including their interconnections and applications in fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, as well as mechanical, electrical, atomic, and subatomic structures and processes.

Average Education

According to onetonline.org, 59% of aerospace engineers have a Bachelor’s degree, 33% have a Master’s degree, and 8% have an Associate’s degree.

Top Aerospace Engineer Salaries by Location

Factors that Impact Pay

San Jose, CA, offers the highest average salary for aerospace engineers at $158,860. Seattle, WA, and Washington, DC, follow closely with average salaries of $151,700 and $151,090, respectively. San Francisco, CA, and Colorado Springs, CO, also provide competitive salaries, averaging $150,070 and $147,060.

The District of Columbia leads in aerospace engineer salaries with an average of $152,400. Maryland follows closely with an average salary of $152,180, while Washington offers $150,390. Colorado and California also provide competitive salaries, averaging $143,630 and $143,050, respectively.

Take a look at the average aerospace engineer salaries from top-paying cities according to Bls.gov data.

CityAverage Salary
San Jose, CA$158,860
Seattle, WA$151,700
Washington, DC$151,090
San Francisco, CA$150,070
Colorado Springs, CO$147,060
Annual mean wages.

Look at the average aerospace engineer salaries from top-paying states according to Bls.gov data.

StateAverage Salary
District of Columbia$152,400
Maryland$152,180
Washington$150,390
Colorado$143,630
California$143,050
Annual mean wages.

Related Careers

Patent Agent

Patent agents practice patent law before the USPTO.

Average of $130,168/year

Patent Attorney

Patent attorneys can practice patent law in addition to practicing law in jurisdictions where they are currently admitted.

Average of $185,351/year

Mechanical Engineers

Mechanical engineers plan and design tools, machines, and other mechanical equipment.

Average of $99,510/year

Job Openings in the United States


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