SalaryData

Software Developer vs Aerospace Engineer Salary (2026)

Side-by-side salary comparison based on BLS OES data. Updated 2026.

Higher paying occupation

Aerospace Engineer

$130,131/yr median(+$2,730 · 2.1% more)

Software Developer

Median$127,401
Mean$131,906
10th %ile$78,900
25th %ile$99,989
75th %ile$157,880
90th %ile$187,436
Employed1.7M+
View full Software Developer report →
Higher pay

Aerospace Engineer

Median$130,131
Mean$134,024
10th %ile$87,598
25th %ile$103,253
75th %ile$159,750
90th %ile$187,400
Employed67K+
View full Aerospace Engineer report →

Salary Distribution Comparison

Software Developer

Software Developer salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$78,900
25th percentile$99,989
Median (50th percentile)$127,401
75th percentile$157,880
90th percentile$187,436

Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace Engineer salary percentiles
PercentileAnnual Salary
10th percentile$87,598
25th percentile$103,253
Median (50th percentile)$130,131
75th percentile$159,750
90th percentile$187,400

Top Paying States

Software Developer

#StateMedian
1California$174,410
2Washington$166,540
3New York$166,180
4Massachusetts$165,210
5Oregon$142,720

Aerospace Engineer

#StateMedian
1Minnesota$159,060
2Washington$158,370
3California$157,620
4District of Columbia$157,600
5Maryland$156,750

Frequently Asked Questions

Which pays more, Software Developer or Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace Engineer pays more with a median salary of $130,131/year, which is 2.1% more than Software Developer at $127,401/year.
What is the salary difference between Software Developer and Aerospace Engineer?
The median salary difference is $2,730/year (2.1%).

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