Aerospace Engineer Salary in Alabama
Based on 6K+ workers in Alabama
Median Annual Salary (AL)
$127,540
$61.32/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-2.0% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $195K
6K employed in Alabama
Aerospace Engineer salary in Alabama averages $133,080 per year, positioning the state favorably in the national landscape. With approximately 5,570 aerospace engineers employed throughout Alabama, the state maintains a robust presence in this specialized field. This median figure sits 5% above the national average, reflecting strong demand for skilled professionals in the aerospace sector.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer compensation in Alabama, including experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer size. The state's concentration of aerospace manufacturing and defense contractors creates competitive wage pressures that benefit experienced professionals. Geographic location within Alabama, specialized certifications, and whether engineers work in government or private sectors also significantly impact earning potential across the $80,040 to $198,840 salary range.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Alabama
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $78,660 |
| 25th percentile | $98,190 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $127,540 |
| 75th percentile | $165,410 |
| 90th percentile | $195,190 |
Top-Paying Industries for Aerospace Engineer (U.S.)
Which industries pay Aerospace Engineers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Aerospace Engineers in Alabama tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative and Support Services | $166,980 | 970 |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $142,630 | 10K |
| Information | $138,400 | 260 |
| Management of Companies and Enterprises | $137,970 | 860 |
| Manufacturing | $134,960 | 33K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Aerospace Engineer in Alabama vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Alabama) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,150 |
| 2023 | $130,870 |
| 2024 | $133,080 |
| 2025 | $127,540 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,540 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Alabama Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $127,150 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $130,870 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $133,080 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $127,540 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $127,540 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Alabama
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $98,190 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $127,540 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $165,410 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $195,190 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Alabama
How other high-demand occupations in Alabama compare to Aerospace Engineer ($127,540 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AL | $162,350 | +27.3% | $78.05/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in AL | $135,030 | +5.9% | $64.92/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in AL | $132,570 | +3.9% | $63.74/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AL | $125,630 | -1.5% | $60.40/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AL | $107,580 | -15.6% | $51.72/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AL | $102,650 | -19.5% | $49.35/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AL | $100,230 | -21.4% | $48.19/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AL | $99,880 | -21.7% | $48.02/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AL | $99,010 | -22.4% | $47.60/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AL | $85,720 | -32.8% | $41.21/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AL | $128,750 | +0.9% | $61.90/hr |
| Economist in AL | $129,960 | +1.9% | $62.48/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Alabama?
- Aerospace engineers in Alabama earn a median salary of $133,080 per year, which translates to $64 per hour. This is 5.4% higher than the national average for aerospace engineers, making Alabama a competitive market for this profession.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Alabama?
- The salary range for aerospace engineers in Alabama spans from $80,040 at the lower end to $198,840 at the upper end. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and employer type within the state.
How many aerospace engineers are employed in Alabama?
- There are currently 5,570 aerospace engineers employed in Alabama, indicating a substantial workforce in this field within the state.
Is the aerospace engineer salary in Alabama above the national average?
- Yes, Alabama's median aerospace engineer salary of $133,080 per year is 5.4% above the national average. This makes Alabama an attractive location for aerospace engineers seeking competitive compensation.