Aerospace Engineer Salary in the United States
Based on 67K+ data points from BLS and H-1B filings
Median Annual Salary
$130,131
$62.56/hr
▲ 3.0% vs 2024Salary Range
$88K – $187K
10th – 90th percentile
Total Employed
67K
workers nationwide
The median Aerospace Engineer salary in the United States is $130,131 per year, or $63 per hour. This figure represents the midpoint of earnings, with half of Aerospace Engineers earning more and half earning less. The typical salary range for this profession falls between $87,598 and $187,400 annually.
Several factors can influence an Aerospace Engineer's compensation. Experience level plays a significant role, with entry-level positions typically paying less than those for seasoned professionals. Location is also a key determinant, with certain states and metropolitan areas offering higher salaries due to demand and cost of living. Additionally, the specific industry sector and the size of the company can impact the overall Aerospace Engineer salary in the United States.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $87,598 |
| 25th percentile | $103,253 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $130,131 |
| 75th percentile | $159,750 |
| 90th percentile | $187,400 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by State
Top 10 Highest-Paying States for Aerospace Engineer
| # | State | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $159,060 | +22.2% | 140 |
| 2 | Washington | $158,370 | +21.7% | 6K |
| 3 | California | $157,620 | +21.1% | 9K |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $157,600 | +21.1% | 290 |
| 5 | Maryland | $156,750 | +20.5% | 3K |
| 6 | Colorado | $156,190 | +20.0% | 4K |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $149,470 | +14.9% | 990 |
| 8 | Vermont | $144,400 | +11.0% | 100 |
| 9 | Virginia | $143,210 | +10.1% | 3K |
| 10 | Georgia | $140,460 | +7.9% | 2K |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Industry
How much Aerospace Engineers earn across industries nationwide — Administrative and Support Services pays the most ($166,980 median). Ranked by median annual salary (2025 BLS OEWS data).
| # | Industry | Median Salary | vs National | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | +28.3% | 970 |
| 2 | Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | +9.6% | 10K |
| 3 | Information | $138,400 | +6.4% | 260 |
| 4 | Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | +6.0% | 860 |
| 5 | Manufacturing | $134,960 | +3.7% | 33K |
| 6 | Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services | $134,200 | +3.1% | 20K |
| 7 | Wholesale Trade | $133,940 | +2.9% | — |
| 8 | Other Services (except Public Administration) | $133,300 | +2.4% | — |
| 9 | Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation | $131,920 | +1.4% | 60 |
| 10 | Transportation and Warehousing | $109,450 | -15.9% | 2K |
| 11 | Educational Services | $108,160 | -16.9% | 1K |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures.
Top H-1B Employers for Aerospace Engineer
Companies that filed the most H-1B applications for Aerospace Engineer roles, with their median base salary.
| # | Company | Median Salary | Filings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Infosys | $132,319 | 6 |
| 2 | Georgia Institute Of Technology | $74,840 | 4 |
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer
| Year | Median Salary (United States) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $134,086 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $103,253 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $130,131 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $159,750 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $187,400 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the US?
- The median salary for an Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $130,131 per year. This means that half of all Aerospace Engineers earn above this amount, while the other half earn below it.
What is the typical salary range for Aerospace Engineers?
- The salary range for Aerospace Engineers in the United States generally spans from $87,598 to $187,400 per year. This wide range reflects differences in experience, location, and employer.
Which state pays Aerospace Engineers the most?
- Minnesota is currently the top-paying state for Aerospace Engineers, with a median salary of $159,060 per year. This indicates strong demand and competitive compensation in that region.
How many Aerospace Engineers are employed in the United States?
- There are approximately 66,570 Aerospace Engineers employed across the United States. This indicates a substantial workforce in this specialized field.