If you've ever looked to the skies and felt a pull toward the science of flight, you might have considered a career as a "plane engineer." Professionally known as an Aerospace Engineer, this role is at the forefront of designing, developing, and testing the aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles that define modern technology. But beyond the thrill of innovation, a career in this field offers significant financial rewards.
So, what can you expect to earn? While salaries can vary widely, the profession consistently ranks among the highest-paying engineering disciplines, with the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reporting a median annual wage well into the six figures. This article will break down the salary you can expect as an aerospace engineer and the key factors that will shape your earning potential throughout your career.
What Does an Aerospace Engineer Do?
Before we dive into the numbers, it's important to understand the scope of the role. Aerospace engineers are the architects of flight and space exploration. They don't typically perform the hands-on maintenance of aircraft (that's the role of an Aircraft Mechanic or Technician), but rather focus on the high-level design, analysis, and manufacturing processes.
Their core responsibilities often include:
- Designing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles.
- Developing and conducting tests on prototypes to ensure they meet design standards and safety regulations.
- Analyzing test data and performance outcomes to identify and resolve problems.
- Researching new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.
- Overseeing the manufacturing process to ensure quality control and adherence to design specifications.
Average Aerospace Engineer Salary
A career in aerospace engineering is not only intellectually stimulating but also financially lucrative. The salary landscape is strong, with significant growth potential as you gain experience.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $126,880 as of May 2022. This means half of all aerospace engineers earned more than this amount, and half earned less.
However, a single number doesn't tell the whole story. Salary aggregators provide a more detailed look at the typical range:
- Payscale reports a typical salary range for an Aerospace Engineer between $75,000 and $152,000 annually, with an average base salary around $99,000 as of 2024.
- Salary.com places the average U.S. salary for an Aerospace Engineer I (entry-level) at around $87,190, while a senior-level Aerospace Engineer V can earn upwards of $160,000.
This data clearly shows that while entry-level salaries are competitive, the real earning power comes with experience and specialization.
Key Factors That Influence Salary
Your specific salary as an aerospace engineer will depend on a combination of factors. Understanding these variables is key to maximizing your career earnings.
Level of Education
A Bachelor of Science in Aerospace Engineering or a related field (like mechanical engineering) is the standard entry requirement. However, advanced degrees can significantly boost your earning potential and open doors to specialized roles.
- Bachelor's Degree: This is your ticket into the industry, qualifying you for most entry-level design, testing, and manufacturing positions.
- Master's Degree (M.S.): A master's degree can increase your starting salary by 10-15% and is often preferred for roles in research and development (R&D), complex systems analysis, or project management. It signals a deeper level of expertise in a specialized area.
- Doctorate (Ph.D.): A Ph.D. is essential for careers in high-level research, academia, or as a senior technical fellow in a large corporation. These roles command the highest salaries in the field due to their requirement for deep, specialized knowledge and innovation.
Years of Experience
Experience is arguably the most significant driver of salary growth. As you progress in your career, you take on more complex projects, lead teams, and develop a reputation for expertise.
- Entry-Level (0-4 years): Engineers in this phase are learning the ropes and applying academic knowledge to real-world problems. Expect salaries in the $75,000 to $95,000 range.
- Mid-Career (5-9 years): With solid experience, you'll be managing projects and taking on more technical leadership. Salaries typically climb to the $100,000 to $130,000 range.
- Senior/Experienced (10+ years): Senior engineers, principal engineers, and project managers have deep expertise and are critical to a company's success. Salaries often exceed $140,000, with top earners and technical experts reaching $170,000 or more. (Source: Payscale, 2024)
Geographic Location
Where you work matters. Salaries are often higher in states with major aerospace industry hubs and a higher cost of living. According to the BLS, the top-paying states for aerospace engineers include:
| State | Annual Mean Wage |
| :--- | :--- |
| California | $153,620 |
| Maryland | $151,190 |
| Virginia | $141,610 |
| Massachusetts | $141,310 |
| Washington | $136,580 |
*(Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, May 2022)*
Metropolitan areas with a high concentration of aerospace and defense companies, such as Los Angeles, CA; Seattle, WA; Huntsville, AL; and the Washington D.C. area, are also hotspots for high-paying opportunities.
Company Type
The type of organization you work for has a direct impact on your compensation and benefits.
- Private Sector (Commercial & Defense): Large contractors like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, and SpaceX are often the highest payers. They compete for top talent to lead massive government and commercial projects.
- Federal Government: Agencies like NASA and the Department of Defense offer competitive salaries, typically in the range of $139,390 median pay (BLS, 2022). These positions also come with excellent benefits, job security, and unparalleled prestige.
- Research and Development: Working in a dedicated R&D firm or a university-affiliated lab can be highly rewarding. While salaries may start slightly lower than in the large defense sector, these roles offer opportunities to work on cutting-edge, next-generation technology.
Area of Specialization
Within aerospace engineering, certain high-demand specializations can command premium salaries. As you build your career, developing expertise in one of these areas can significantly increase your value.
- Astronautics (Spacecraft): With the boom in the commercial space industry, engineers specializing in satellites, launch vehicles, and spacecraft systems are in high demand.
- Propulsion Systems: Experts in jet engines, rocket engines, and next-generation propulsion (like electric or hypersonic) are critical and well-compensated.
- Avionics and Control Systems: This specialization combines aerospace with electronics and software, focusing on the navigation, communication, and control systems of a vehicle.
- Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD): Engineers who can model and simulate airflow and thermal dynamics are essential for designing efficient and stable vehicles.
Job Outlook
The future for aerospace engineers is bright. The BLS projects employment for aerospace engineers to grow by 6% from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is driven by several factors:
- National Defense: Continued investment in advanced aircraft and defense systems.
- Commercial Space Exploration: The rapid expansion of private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin is creating new opportunities.
- Aircraft Modernization: A constant need to design more fuel-efficient, quieter, and safer commercial aircraft.
This steady demand ensures that a career in aerospace engineering will remain a stable and prosperous choice for years to come.
Conclusion
A career as an aerospace engineer is a journey of lifelong learning and innovation. For those with a strong foundation in math and science and a passion for flight, it offers a path that is both professionally fulfilling and financially rewarding.
Here are the key takeaways for your earning potential:
- Strong Starting Point: Expect a competitive starting salary with just a bachelor's degree.
- High Earning Potential: The median salary is well over six figures, with senior experts earning upwards of $170,000.
- Growth is Key: Your earnings will grow significantly with experience, specialization, and continued education.
- Location Matters: Targeting industry hubs in states like California, Washington, or Maryland can maximize your salary.
Ultimately, choosing a career in aerospace engineering is an investment in a future at the cutting edge of technology—a future that pays very well.