Aerospace Engineer Salary in North Carolina
Based on 650+ workers in North Carolina
Data year: 2025 · Last updated: October 2026
Median Annual Salary (NC)
$122,930
$59.10/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
-5.5% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$79K – $177K
650 employed in North Carolina
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in North Carolina
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $79,310 |
| 25th percentile | $94,210 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $122,930 |
| 75th percentile | $149,990 |
| 90th percentile | $176,720 |
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 North Carolina 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 North Carolina vs National
| Year | Median Salary (North Carolina) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,360 |
| 2023 | $120,270 |
| 2024 | $117,190 |
| 2025 | $122,930 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,951 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | North Carolina Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,360 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $120,270 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $117,190 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $122,930 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $128,951 | $136,505 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in North Carolina
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $94,210 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $122,930 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $149,990 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $176,720 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in North Carolina
How other high-demand occupations in North Carolina compare to Aerospace Engineer ($122,930 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in NC | $167,840 | +36.5% | $80.69/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in NC | $131,850 | +7.3% | $63.39/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in NC | $117,410 | -4.5% | $56.45/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in NC | $110,130 | -10.4% | $52.95/hr |
| Materials Engineer in NC | $104,240 | -15.2% | $50.12/hr |
| Civil Engineer in NC | $100,730 | -18.1% | $48.43/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in NC | $100,720 | -18.1% | $48.42/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in NC | $99,440 | -19.1% | $47.81/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in NC | $99,310 | -19.2% | $47.75/hr |
| Biomedical Engineer in NC | $94,790 | -22.9% | $45.57/hr |
| Industrial Production Manager in NC | $125,940 | +2.4% | $60.55/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in NC | $126,040 | +2.5% | $60.60/hr |