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Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I in the United States is $79,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,225
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,510 to $85,190
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,911

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salaries

An Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Aerospace Aviation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:

  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer I (0-2 years): $79,655
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer II (2-4 years): $95,651
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,733
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,155
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer V (7-10 years): $161,819
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Aviation Engineer I0-2 years$79,655
Aerospace Aviation Engineer II2-4 years$95,651
Aerospace Aviation Engineer III4-7 years$110,733
Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV7+ years$140,155
Aerospace Aviation Engineer V7-10 years$161,819

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Aviation Engineer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $100,470
  • San Francisco: $99,370
  • Oakland: $97,280

What Skills Can Increase an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 21.59% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Technical Support (Mentioned in 2.65% Job Postings): Offering hands-on assistance and solutions to end-users in addressing and troubleshooting technical issues.
  • Agile (Mentioned in 1.89% Job Postings): Agile is a development process where feedback is continuously gathered from users to create the best user experience.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 21.59%
Technical Support 2.65%
Agile 1.89%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's salary.

  • Strategic Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Resilience: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Strategic Thinking $90,016
13%
Consulting $90,016
13%
Resilience $89,219
12%

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,311. While startup companies pay approximate $74,836.

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $74,836
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,105
Established 501~5000 $85,315
Enterprise 5000+ $88,311

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Aviation Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Aviation Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Aviation Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$103,558$50.030%
Aerospace & Defense$95,592$46.020%
Energy & Utilities$87,626$42.010%
MFG Durable$83,643$40.05%

How Education impacts an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Aviation Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $81,880 and $85,521).

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 2.4%
Associates 3.3%
Bachelors 53.7%
Masters 31.8%
Doctorate 8.2%

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.

Last Updated on September 01, 2026
$73,510
Average $79,660/year
$85,190
$6,126
Average $6,638/month
$7,099
$1,414
Average $1,532/week
$1,638
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,190 $7,099 $1,638 $41
Average $79,660 $6,638 $1,532 $38
25th Percentile $73,510 $6,126 $1,414 $35

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.

Aerospace Aviation Engineer I Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineer II $95,700 20%
Airport Design Engineer $73,401 -8%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer II $95,690 20%
Intermediate Engineer $92,200 16%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Aerospace Aviation Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. How much do aerospace engineers make at United Airlines?

Aerospace engineers typically earn between $79,230 and $92,240, with a median salary of around $86,030. While the reported average salary at United Airlines is approximately $131,446, this figure is significantly higher than the general salary range for aerospace engineers.

3. Is aerospace engineering worth it in USA?

The answer to the question, is aerospace engineering a good career?” is a resounding yes. This field offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $79,230, a mid-range of $86,030, and a maximum of $92,240. While it is challenging, obtaining a master's degree can enhance your marketability and career prospects.

4. How much does Boeing pay flight controls engineers?

The salary range for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer is approximately $79,230 to $92,240 per year, with a mid-salary of around $86,030. This reflects the base salary without additional compensation.

5. Do aerospace engineers make 6 figures?

Aerospace engineers typically do not make six figures. The salary data indicates a minimum salary of $79,230, a mid-range salary of $86,030, and a maximum salary of $92,240. While some experienced engineers may earn higher, the average annual pay for aerospace engineers is below the six-figure mark.

6. Where do flight engineers make the most money?

Flight engineers typically earn between $79,230 and $92,240 annually, with a mid-salary of $86,030. While specific city data for flight engineers isn't provided, high-paying regions for aerospace roles often include California cities, where salaries can exceed $145,000. Factors like experience and location significantly influence earnings in this field.

7. How happy are aerospace engineers?

Aerospace engineers report a career happiness rating of 3.4 out of 5 stars, ranking them in the top 34% of professions. With salaries ranging from $79,230 to $92,240, and a median salary of $86,030, their financial stability likely contributes to their overall job satisfaction.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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