Aerospace Engineer Salary in District of Columbia
Based on 290+ workers in District of Columbia
Median Annual Salary (DC)
$157,600
$75.77/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
+21.1% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$98K – $196K
290 employed in District of Columbia
The aerospace engineer salary in District of Columbia averages $157,600 annually, positioning the nation's capital as a lucrative hub for this profession. With approximately 290 aerospace engineers employed in the district, salaries here run 21% above the national average, reflecting the region's concentration of government agencies, defense contractors, and research institutions that drive demand for specialized talent.
Several factors influence aerospace engineer compensation in this market. Experience level, educational credentials, and specific employer type significantly impact earning potential, with federal government positions and defense contractors often offering higher salaries than private firms. The cost of living in District of Columbia also plays a role, as employers typically adjust compensation packages to reflect local economic conditions. Salary ranges from $98,200 to $196,310 depending on these variables and individual career progression.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in District of Columbia
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $98,200 |
| 25th percentile | $105,870 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $157,600 |
| 75th percentile | $195,190 |
| 90th percentile | $196,310 |
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 District of Columbia 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 District of Columbia vs National
| Year | Median Salary (District of Columbia) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,650 |
| 2023 | $166,310 |
| 2024 | $175,350 |
| 2025 | $157,600 |
| 2026 (projected) | $157,600 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | District of Columbia Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $147,650 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $166,310 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $175,350 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $157,600 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $157,600 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $105,870 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $157,600 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $195,190 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $196,310 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in District of Columbia
How other high-demand occupations in District of Columbia compare to Aerospace Engineer ($157,600 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nuclear Engineer in DC | $195,190 | +23.9% | $93.84/hr |
| Engineering Manager in DC | $185,220 | +17.5% | $89.05/hr |
| Marine Engineer in DC | $172,330 | +9.3% | $82.85/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in DC | $143,000 | -9.3% | $68.75/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in DC | $133,300 | -15.4% | $64.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in DC | $103,880 | -34.1% | $49.94/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in DC | $103,300 | -34.5% | $49.66/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in DC | $100,920 | -36.0% | $48.52/hr |
| Physicist in DC | $157,040 | -0.4% | $75.50/hr |
| Software Engineer in DC | $156,590 | -0.6% | $75.28/hr |
| Medical and Health Services Manager in DC | $155,140 | -1.6% | $74.59/hr |
| Pharmacist in DC | $153,400 | -2.7% | $73.75/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in Washington DC?
- Aerospace engineers in the District of Columbia earn a median salary of $157,600 per year, or $76 per hour. This is 21.1% higher than the national average for the profession.
What is the salary range for aerospace engineers in DC?
- Aerospace engineer salaries in the District of Columbia range from $98,200 to $196,310 per year, depending on experience and other factors. The median salary of $157,600 falls in the middle of this range.
How many aerospace engineers work in District of Columbia?
- There are approximately 290 aerospace engineers employed in the District of Columbia, representing a concentrated job market in the region.
Is DC a good place for aerospace engineers to work based on pay?
- Yes, the District of Columbia offers competitive pay for aerospace engineers, with a median salary of $157,600 that exceeds the national average by 21.1%. This makes DC an attractive location for professionals in this field.