As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I in the United States is $79,670 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,662 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,651 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,743 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,150 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,829 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Aerospace Aviation Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 21.59% |
| Technical Support | 2.65% |
| Agile | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$90,027 |
13%
|
|
Consulting
|
$90,027 |
13%
|
|
Resilience
|
$89,230 |
12%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$89,230 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$88,434 |
11%
|
|
Verification and Validation
|
$87,637 |
10%
|
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 $88,392. While startup companies pay approximate $74,885.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $74,885 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,161 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,398 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,392 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $103,571 | $50.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $95,604 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,637 | $42.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $83,654 | $40.0 | 5% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $73,101 | -8% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Aviation Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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