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Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV in the United States is $140,160 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $155,596
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $130,670 to $148,240
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $122,030

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salaries

An Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV'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 IV'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 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
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI (10-12 years): $199,112
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI10-12 years$199,112

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IVs

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: $176,780
  • San Francisco: $174,850
  • Oakland: $171,160

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 19.05% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Systems (Mentioned in 2.38% Job Postings): A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device.
  • Support Services (Mentioned in 2.38% Job Postings): Support Services means those activities provided to or on behalf of a person in the areas of personal care and assistance and property maintenance in order to allow a person to live in the least restrictive environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 19.05%
Computer Systems 2.38%
Support Services 2.38%

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 IV's salary.

  • Debugging: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Data Engineering: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Risk Assessment: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Debugging $173,798
24%
Data Engineering $168,192
20%
Risk Assessment $168,192
20%

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

Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $155,381. While startup companies pay approximate $131,673.

Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $131,673
Growth Stage 51~500 $139,183
Established 501~5000 $150,110
Enterprise 5000+ $155,381

Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% 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 IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$196,224$94.040%
Energy & Utilities$182,208$88.030%
Aerospace & Defense$168,192$81.020%
MFG Durable$154,176$74.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Aviation Engineer IVs 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 IV with a Bachelor's Degree is between $138,973 and $146,070).

Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 1.4%
Associates 1.2%
Bachelors 32.3%
Masters 47.6%
Doctorate 17.0%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV'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
$130,670
Average $140,160/year
$148,240
$10,889
Average $11,680/month
$12,353
$2,513
Average $2,695/week
$2,851
$63
Average $67/hour
$71
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $148,240 $12,353 $2,851 $71
Average $140,160 $11,680 $2,695 $67
25th Percentile $130,670 $10,889 $2,513 $63

Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV, 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 IV Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineer V $162,800 16%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer V $161,820 15%
Engineer - Expert/Consultant $161,900 16%
GNC Engineer V $168,600 20%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.

2. What is the salary of a 10 year aerospace engineer?

For a 10-year aerospace engineer, the salary typically ranges from $132,790 to $158,350 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $146,070. This reflects the experience and expertise expected at this level in the aerospace industry.

3. What is the highest paid aerospace engineer?

The highest paid aerospace engineers typically earn between $132,790 and $158,350 annually, with a mid-salary of $146,070. Roles such as Thermodynamics Engineer, Aeronautical Engineer, and Flight Test Engineer can command these salaries, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in the aerospace industry.

4. Who hires aerospace engineers?

Government agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA hire about 14 percent of aerospace engineers. Other employers include engineering services firms, research and testing services companies, and electronics manufacturers. Salaries for aerospace engineers typically range from $132,790 to $158,350, with a median salary of $146,070.

5. How much are SpaceX engineers paid?

SpaceX engineers can expect salaries ranging from $132,790 to $158,350, with a median salary of around $146,070. This reflects the competitive compensation in the aerospace sector, significantly higher than the national average for engineering roles.

6. Do aerospace engineers make 6 figures?

Yes, aerospace engineers do make six figures. The salary data indicates that the minimum salary is $132,790, the mid-salary is $146,070, and the maximum salary reaches $158,350. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field, making it a lucrative career choice.

7. How much does a PhD in Aerospace Engineering make?

A PhD in Aerospace Engineering typically earns between $132,790 and $158,350 annually, with a mid-salary of around $146,070. This reflects the specialized skills and expertise required in the field, contributing to competitive compensation.

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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