As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V in the United States is $161,830 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:
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 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 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $199,136 |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $132,839 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 19.05% |
| Computer Systems | 2.38% |
| Support Services | 2.38% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
C#
|
$197,433 |
22%
|
|
Risk Mitigation
|
$195,814 |
21%
|
|
Product Development
|
$190,959 |
18%
|
|
Insight
|
$184,486 |
14%
|
|
Debugging
|
$182,868 |
13%
|
|
Software Development
|
$181,250 |
12%
|
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 $179,547. While startup companies pay approximate $152,111.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $152,111 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $160,797 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $173,465 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $179,547 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $258,928 | $124.0 | 60% |
| Energy & Utilities | $178,013 | $86.0 | 10% |
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
| 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% |
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 July 01, 2026Promotions 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.
| 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% |
Salaries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $159,567 in 2023 to around $154,172 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Aviation Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $159,567 |
| 2024 | $156,522 |
| 2025 | $154,172 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Aviation Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 60% above the market median.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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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