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:
Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV Salaries by Percentile
| 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 |
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 19.05% |
| Computer Systems | 2.38% |
| Support Services | 2.38% |
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.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Debugging | $173,798 | |
| Data Engineering | $168,192 | |
| Risk Assessment | $168,192 |
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.
| 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 |
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).
| 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% |
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.
| 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 |
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.
| 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% |
Salaries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $136,598 in 2023 to around $133,796 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $136,598 |
| 2024 | $135,030 |
| 2025 | $133,796 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.)
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