Aerospace Engineer Salary in Arizona
Based on 3K+ workers in Arizona
Median Annual Salary (AZ)
$123,170
$59.22/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-5.3% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$89K – $194K
3K employed in Arizona
Aerospace Engineer salary in Arizona averages $123,170 annually, with approximately 3,110 professionals employed in the state. This figure falls about 5% below the national average, reflecting regional differences in cost of living and industry concentration. Salaries in this field span a considerable range, from $88,920 at the entry level to $193,990 for experienced professionals.
Several factors influence Aerospace Engineer salary in Arizona, including years of experience, educational background, and employer type. The state's aerospace sector includes both established defense contractors and emerging private space companies, each offering different compensation structures. Geographic proximity to major aerospace hubs, specific technical specializations, and professional certifications also play meaningful roles in determining individual earning potential within the state.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Arizona
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $88,920 |
| 25th percentile | $96,700 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $123,170 |
| 75th percentile | $161,220 |
| 90th percentile | $193,990 |
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 Arizona 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 Arizona vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Arizona) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,270 |
| 2023 | $128,230 |
| 2024 | $135,620 |
| 2025 | $123,170 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,170 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Arizona Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $120,270 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $128,230 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $135,620 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $123,170 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $123,170 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $96,700 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $123,170 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $161,220 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $193,990 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Arizona
How other high-demand occupations in Arizona compare to Aerospace Engineer ($123,170 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in AZ | $167,480 | +36.0% | $80.52/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in AZ | $141,230 | +14.7% | $67.90/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in AZ | $108,280 | -12.1% | $52.06/hr |
| Materials Engineer in AZ | $106,810 | -13.3% | $51.35/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in AZ | $100,550 | -18.4% | $48.34/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in AZ | $100,270 | -18.6% | $48.21/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in AZ | $93,970 | -23.7% | $45.18/hr |
| Civil Engineer in AZ | $89,660 | -27.2% | $43.11/hr |
| Optometrist in AZ | $122,250 | -0.7% | $58.77/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in AZ | $124,810 | +1.3% | $60.00/hr |
| Information Security Analyst in AZ | $125,260 | +1.7% | $60.22/hr |
| Training and Development Manager in AZ | $125,770 | +2.1% | $60.47/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Arizona?
- Aerospace engineers in Arizona earn a median salary of $123,170 per year, or approximately $59 per hour. This is 5.3% below the national average for this profession.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in Arizona?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in Arizona range from $88,920 at the lower end to $193,990 at the higher end, depending on experience, skills, and employer.
How many aerospace engineers are employed in Arizona?
- There are 3,110 aerospace engineers currently employed in Arizona, providing a notable job market for professionals in this field.
Is the aerospace engineer salary in Arizona competitive compared to the national average?
- Arizona's median aerospace engineer salary of $123,170 is slightly below the national average, falling 5.3% lower. However, the state still offers solid compensation within a competitive salary range of $88,920 to $193,990.