As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer III in Normal, IL is $105,260 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Aerospace Aviation Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aerospace Aviation Engineer III'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, skills, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Aviation Engineer III'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 | $75,712 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $90,911 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $105,251 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $133,207 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,806 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 13.86% |
| System Integration | 2.62% |
| Software Development | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$116,839 |
11%
|
|
Water Treatment
|
$113,681 |
8%
|
|
Resilience
|
$112,628 |
7%
|
|
Collaborating with Others
|
$111,576 |
6%
|
|
System Design
|
$110,523 |
5%
|
|
Decision Making
|
$109,470 |
4%
|
Aerospace Aviation Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $116,894. While startup companies pay approximate $99,064.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $99,064 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $104,718 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $112,933 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $116,894 |
For Aerospace Aviation Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Aviation Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Aviation Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $142,101 | $68.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $131,575 | $63.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $121,049 | $58.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $110,523 | $53.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Aerospace Aviation Engineer III'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Aviation Engineer III, 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 IV | $133,300 | 27% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV | $133,210 | 27% |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | $133,300 | 27% |
| GNC Engineer IV | $128,800 | 22% |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aerospace Aviation Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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