Aerospace Engineer Salary (With Salary Data Per State)
What does an aerospace engineer do?
Aerospace engineers apply principles from mechanics, materials science, electronics, aerodynamics and control systems. Depending on the role, they may:
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Develop aircraft, spacecraft, propulsion systems or guidance equipment
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Create mathematical models and computer simulations
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Establish design requirements and performance standards
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Analyze test data and investigate failures
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Evaluate whether a design meets safety and regulatory requirements
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Coordinate with manufacturing, software, quality and project teams
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Document designs, calculations, risks and test results
Aeronautical engineers focus primarily on aircraft that operate within Earth's atmosphere. Astronautical engineers concentrate on spacecraft and systems designed for operation beyond the atmosphere. Many positions cross those boundaries or specialize further in structures, avionics, propulsion, flight controls, systems engineering or testing.
Aerospace engineer salary by state
The table below presents annual mean wage figures shown in the benchmark article, which attributes them to BLS state wage data. A mean is an arithmetic average, not the national median cited above. State estimates can reflect an earlier data release, may be suppressed when a reliable estimate is unavailable and may change when BLS publishes new Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. Use these figures for general comparison and confirm the latest state and metropolitan data before making a career or relocation decision.
| State | Annual mean wage |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $121,370 |
| Alaska | $111,780 |
| Arizona | $140,430 |
| Arkansas | Data unavailable |
| California | $134,120 |
| Colorado | $140,690 |
| Connecticut | $110,360 |
| Delaware | $109,820 |
| Florida | $107,070 |
| Georgia | $111,860 |
| Hawaii | $127,710 |
| Idaho | $66,170 |
| Illinois | $99,040 |
| Indiana | $97,060 |
| Iowa | Data unavailable |
| Kansas | $107,310 |
| Kentucky | $121,000 |
| Louisiana | $102,080 |
| Maine | Data unavailable |
| Maryland | $133,350 |
| Massachusetts | $124,490 |
| Michigan | $83,910 |
| Minnesota | $87,060 |
| Mississippi | $86,120 |
| Missouri | Data unavailable |
| Montana | $80,750 |
| Nebraska | $149,860 |
| Nevada | Data unavailable |
| New Hampshire | Data unavailable |
| New Jersey | $125,230 |
| New Mexico | $120,590 |
| New York | $105,780 |
| North Carolina | $109,020 |
| North Dakota | Data unavailable |
| Ohio | $116,790 |
| Oklahoma | $104,070 |
| Oregon | $95,520 |
| Pennsylvania | $115,470 |
| Rhode Island | Data unavailable |
| South Carolina | $115,480 |
| South Dakota | Data unavailable |
| Tennessee | $97,370 |
| Texas | $120,010 |
| Utah | $112,690 |
| Vermont | Data unavailable |
| Virginia | $130,080 |
| Washington | $133,970 |
| West Virginia | Data unavailable |
| Wisconsin | Data unavailable |
| Wyoming | Data unavailable |
The same dataset lists the District of Columbia at $137,390. It is included here separately because it is not a state.
These numbers should not be read as a ranking of the best places to work. A high nominal salary can be offset by housing, transportation, taxes or other living costs. A state average may also be influenced by a small concentration of senior engineers, federal facilities or major aerospace employers.
Factors that affect an aerospace engineer's salary
Experience and responsibility
Early-career engineers usually work under supervision and contribute to defined parts of a project. More experienced engineers may own a subsystem, approve technical work, lead multidisciplinary teams or manage budgets and schedules. Increased accountability generally supports higher compensation.
Industry and employer
Commercial aviation, defense, space launch, federal research, engineering services and component manufacturing operate under different budgets and pay structures. Government positions may emphasize transparent pay bands and benefits, while private employers may use bonuses, stock or project incentives.
Location
Regions with clusters of aerospace manufacturers, military installations, research centers and space companies may offer more opportunities. Employers also consider local labor supply and living costs. Compare the entire compensation package rather than salary alone.
Education and licensure
A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related discipline is the typical entry-level credential, according to BLS. Some research, leadership or highly specialized roles favor a master's degree or doctorate. A Professional Engineer license may be valuable for roles involving public responsibility, although it is not required for every aerospace position.
Technical specialty
Expertise in propulsion, computational fluid dynamics, guidance and navigation, embedded systems, advanced materials, cybersecurity or systems safety can affect demand. The value of a specialty depends on the employer's projects and how difficult the skill is to hire.
Security clearance
Some defense and government-contractor positions require access to classified information. Eligibility for a clearance may broaden the roles available, but a clearance is granted through an authorized process; candidates generally cannot independently obtain one simply to improve their resume.
Education and training requirements
Most aerospace engineers begin with a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related engineering field. Coursework commonly includes calculus, differential equations, physics, statics and dynamics, thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, materials, control systems and computer-aided design.
Hands-on experience matters as well. Internships, cooperative education, student design teams, laboratory work and research projects can demonstrate that a candidate can apply theory, document decisions and work safely with others. Employers may also look for programming, simulation and data-analysis skills.
Students should consider whether a program is accredited by ABET, particularly if they may pursue engineering licensure. Licensure requirements vary by jurisdiction and usually involve an accredited education, supervised experience and examinations.
Career outlook for aerospace engineers
BLS projects employment of aerospace engineers to grow 6% from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. It also projects about 4,500 openings per year, on average, over the decade. Openings can result from growth as well as workers transferring occupations or leaving the labor force.
Demand may be supported by satellite systems, lower launch costs, more fuel-efficient aircraft, unmanned aerial systems and national defense needs. The field can still be cyclical: large programs, government budgets and commercial aircraft orders influence hiring.
How to increase your earning potential
Build evidence of technical impact
Keep a record of results you can discuss without exposing confidential information. Examples include reducing test time, improving reliability, finding a design issue before production or automating an analysis. Quantified impact makes a stronger case than a list of responsibilities.
Develop systems-level understanding
Engineers who understand how structures, software, avionics, propulsion and operations interact can contribute to complex decisions. Systems thinking is especially useful when moving toward technical leadership.
Learn relevant tools without relying on tool names alone
Simulation, computer-aided design, programming and requirements-management tools are important, but employers also value judgment. Explain what problem you solved, how you validated the result and what tradeoffs you considered.
Consider high-value credentials strategically
A graduate degree, certification or license is most useful when it matches a target role. Review actual job descriptions and speak with people in the specialty before investing substantial time or money.
Negotiate total compensation
Base salary is only one component. Compare bonuses, retirement contributions, health coverage, paid leave, relocation assistance, education support, stock and work flexibility. Ask how promotions and salary reviews are handled.
Is aerospace engineering a good career?
It can be a strong fit for people who enjoy complex physical systems, careful analysis and long development cycles. The work can offer competitive pay and the chance to contribute to consequential technology. It also requires attention to detail, continued learning and comfort with extensive testing and documentation.
Before choosing the field, compare course requirements with your interests and seek first-hand exposure through a design club, internship or informational interview. A job title alone does not reveal whether a role is primarily analytical, hands-on, managerial or documentation-heavy.
Prepare your aerospace engineering application with Dokie
Dokie can help you organize an aerospace engineering resume around the evidence employers need: technical projects, engineering tools, test methods, teamwork and measurable outcomes. You can use it to turn rough project notes into concise accomplishment statements and tailor the emphasis for roles in design, analysis, manufacturing, systems or testing.
Treat Dokie as a drafting assistant rather than an authority on your qualifications. Verify every technical term and number, remove confidential or export-controlled details and keep claims faithful to your actual work. A precise, role-specific draft paired with a clear project portfolio can help recruiters understand your contribution faster.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median aerospace engineer salary?
The BLS reports a median annual wage of $134,830 as of May 2024. That is a national benchmark, not a starting salary and not the same as the mean wages in the state table.
Which state pays aerospace engineers the most?
In the state figures displayed above, Nebraska has the highest available mean at $149,860. This does not mean every Nebraska employer pays that amount, and the estimate should be checked against the newest BLS release and local job postings.
Why is salary data unavailable for some states?
BLS may not publish an estimate when the available sample does not meet reliability or confidentiality standards. “Data unavailable” does not mean no aerospace engineers work in the state.
Do aerospace engineers need a master's degree?
Usually not for entry-level work; a bachelor's degree is the typical requirement. A master's degree can help with research, specialization or advancement, depending on the position.
Can aerospace engineers work in the space industry?
Yes. Astronautical and systems engineers contribute to launch vehicles, satellites, spacecraft, mission operations and related ground systems. Many adjacent roles also employ mechanical, electrical and software engineers.
How can I compare offers in different states?
Compare after-tax pay, housing and transportation costs, benefits, bonus structure, work schedule and advancement opportunities. State averages provide context, but the actual offer and local cost of living determine purchasing power.