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Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V in the United States is $161,820 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $175,613
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $153,240 to $169,040
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $145,428

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salaries

An Aerospace Aviation Engineer V'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 V'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 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
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $132,835
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Aerospace Aviation Engineering Supervisor12+ years$132,835

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Aviation Engineer Vs

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: $204,110
  • San Francisco: $201,870
  • Oakland: $197,620

What Skills Can Increase an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V'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 V's salary.

  • C#: Can increase your salary by up to 22%.
  • Risk Mitigation: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Product Development: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
C# $197,420
22%
Risk Mitigation $195,802
21%
Product Development $190,948
18%

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

Aerospace Aviation Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $179,393. While startup companies pay approximate $152,021.

Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $152,021
Growth Stage 51~500 $160,692
Established 501~5000 $173,307
Enterprise 5000+ $179,393

Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Aviation Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Aviation Engineer positions in Software & Networking or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Aviation Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$258,912$124.060%
Energy & Utilities$178,002$86.010%

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

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Aviation Engineer Vs 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 V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $166,817 and $175,286).

Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Aerospace Aviation Engineer V
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 1.3%
Associates 1.9%
Bachelors 27.0%
Masters 48.2%
Doctorate 20.8%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V'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
$153,240
Average $161,820/year
$169,040
$12,770
Average $13,485/month
$14,087
$2,947
Average $3,112/week
$3,251
$74
Average $78/hour
$81
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $169,040 $14,087 $3,251 $81
Average $161,820 $13,485 $3,112 $78
25th Percentile $153,240 $12,770 $2,947 $74

Aerospace Aviation Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V, 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 V Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineer VI $199,500 23%
Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI $199,200 23%
General Engineer VI $187,100 16%
GNC Engineer VI $212,100 31%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Aviation Engineer V

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Aviation Engineer V

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Aviation Engineer V

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

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.

2. Who hires aerospace engineers?

Government agencies like the Department of Defense and NASA employ about 14 percent of aerospace engineers. Other employers include engineering services firms, research and testing services companies, and electronics manufacturers. Salaries for aerospace engineers range from a minimum of $159,060 to a maximum of $188,110, with a mid-salary of $175,790.

3. How much do aerospace engineers make in the USA?

Aerospace Engineers in the USA earn between $159,060 and $188,110, with a median salary of $175,790. The average total compensation, including additional cash, can vary, but the base salary reflects the competitive nature of the field.

4. Can aerospace engineers make 200k?

Aerospace engineers typically earn between $159,060 and $188,110, with a mid-salary of $175,790. While salaries can vary based on experience and specialization, reaching $200,000 is possible in certain roles or companies, especially with advanced skills and certifications in aerospace quality management systems like AS9100.

5. 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 $159,060 to $188,110, and a median salary of $175,790, their financial compensation contributes positively to their overall job satisfaction.

6. Are aerospace engineers underpaid?

Aerospace engineers are not underpaid, with salaries ranging from a minimum of $159,060 to a maximum of $188,110. The mid-salary is $175,790, indicating a strong earning potential in the field. This data suggests that aerospace engineers are compensated well compared to many other professions.

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

For a 10-year aerospace engineer, the salary typically ranges from $159,060 to $188,110 per year, with a mid-salary of $175,790. This reflects the higher earning potential as engineers gain experience and expertise in the field.

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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