Aerospace Engineer Salary.
Across 83 U.S. cities.
$115,000
national median salary
$88,000 to $152,000. Last updated April 2026.
Highest Paying
$165,000
San Jose, CA
Best Purchasing Power
$120,000
San Jose, CA
Lowest Paying
$91,000
Charleston, WV
Salary data sourced from SEC filings, H-1B Labor Condition Applications (DOL), Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, and aggregated job postings across 50+ platforms. Ranges reflect 25th to 75th percentile for full-time positions. Cost-of-living adjustments use Bureau of Economic Analysis Regional Price Parities (2025 index). Last updated April 2026.
The average Aerospace Engineer salary in the United States is $115,000 in 2026, with the full range spanning $88,000 at the 25th percentile to $152,000 at the 75th. San Jose pays the most at $165,000, while San Jose offers the best purchasing power after cost-of-living adjustments. Security clearance level and employer type drive the widest variance.
Aerospace Engineer salary by city
Skills that increase Aerospace Engineer pay
The skills below command measurable salary premiums for Aerospace Engineers based on job posting data. Learning the top skill here could add $16,100 to your annual compensation.
≈ +$16,100 per year
≈ +$14,950 per year
≈ +$13,800 per year
≈ +$12,650 per year
≈ +$12,650 per year
≈ +$11,500 per year
≈ +$11,500 per year
≈ +$10,350 per year
What you should know
Security clearance level and employer type drive the widest variance. Defense contractors pay 10 to 20% premiums for TS/SCI clearances. Specialization in propulsion, avionics, or spacecraft systems commands higher compensation than structural analysis. The growing commercial space sector is pushing salaries upward across all levels.
Junior aerospace engineers start at $88,000 to $100,000. Senior engineers reach $115,000 to $152,000 after six to eight years. Principal engineers and engineering directors earn $155,000 to $210,000, with chief engineers at major programs exceeding $230,000.
Defense contractors offer 8 to 15% annual bonuses and retention bonuses of $10,000 to $30,000 for cleared engineers. Commercial space companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin add equity packages. Many roles include relocation assistance and clearance processing support.