Aerospace Engineer Salary in Washington
Based on 6K+ workers in Washington
Median Annual Salary (WA)
$158,370
$76.14/hr
vs National Average
$130,131
+21.7% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$113K – $208K
6K employed in Washington
The median Aerospace Engineer salary in Washington stands at an impressive $158,370 per year, placing it significantly above the national average. This strong compensation reflects the robust aerospace industry within the state, where approximately 5,760 professionals are employed. The typical salary range for these skilled individuals falls between $112,580 and $207,710 annually.
Several factors influence the Aerospace Engineer salary in Washington. Beyond experience and specific skill sets within aerospace design, manufacturing, or systems engineering, the concentration of major aerospace companies in the state naturally drives up demand and, consequently, pay. Location-specific cost of living adjustments and the complexity of projects undertaken by these engineers also play a role in determining compensation within this lucrative field.
Salary Distribution — Aerospace Engineer in Washington
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $112,580 |
| 25th percentile | $130,560 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $158,370 |
| 75th percentile | $181,460 |
| 90th percentile | $207,710 |
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 Washington 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 Washington vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Washington) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,850 |
| 2023 | $142,520 |
| 2024 | $158,600 |
| 2025 | $158,370 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,370 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Washington Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $134,850 | $112,679 |
| 2023 | $142,520 | $121,877 |
| 2024 | $158,600 | $126,293 |
| 2025 | $158,370 | $130,131 |
| 2026 (projected) | $158,370 | $130,131 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $130,560 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $158,370 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $181,460 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $207,710 |
Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other States
Related Aerospace Engineer Salaries in Washington
How other high-demand occupations in Washington compare to Aerospace Engineer ($158,370 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Aerospace Engineer | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Manager in WA | $189,680 | +19.8% | $91.19/hr |
| Materials Engineer in WA | $139,840 | -11.7% | $67.23/hr |
| Petroleum Engineer in WA | $134,800 | -14.9% | $64.81/hr |
| Electrical Engineer in WA | $132,710 | -16.2% | $63.80/hr |
| Nuclear Engineer in WA | $129,480 | -18.2% | $62.25/hr |
| Industrial Engineer in WA | $129,050 | -18.5% | $62.04/hr |
| Chemical Engineer in WA | $128,290 | -19.0% | $61.68/hr |
| Environmental Engineer in WA | $125,460 | -20.8% | $60.32/hr |
| Mechanical Engineer in WA | $110,430 | -30.3% | $53.09/hr |
| Civil Engineer in WA | $110,000 | -30.5% | $52.88/hr |
| Marine Engineer in WA | $109,550 | -30.8% | $52.67/hr |
| Nurse Midwife in WA | $158,970 | +0.4% | $76.43/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do Aerospace Engineers make in Washington state?
- In Washington, the median salary for Aerospace Engineers is $158,370 per year, which averages out to $76 per hour. The typical salary range falls between $112,580 and $207,710 annually.
What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Washington compared to the national average?
- Aerospace Engineers in Washington earn significantly more than the national average, with salaries being 21.7% higher. This means the median salary of $158,370/year in Washington is substantially above the national median.
What is the salary range for Aerospace Engineers in Washington?
- The salary range for Aerospace Engineers in Washington state is quite broad, typically falling between $112,580 for entry-level or lower-paid positions and $207,710 for those with more experience or in specialized roles. The median stands at $158,370 per year.
How many Aerospace Engineers are employed in Washington?
- There are approximately 5,760 Aerospace Engineers employed in Washington state. This concentration contributes to the competitive salaries, with a median of $158,370/year.