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Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI in the United States is $199,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $212,382
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $189,900 to $206,100
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $181,433

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI Salaries

An Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI'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 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 VI'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 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
  • Aerospace Aviation Engineering Manager (12+ years): $162,612
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
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
Aerospace Aviation Engineering Manager12+ years$162,612

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Aviation Engineer VIs

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: $251,200
  • San Francisco: $248,400
  • Oakland: $243,200

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

Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $220,833. While startup companies pay approximate $187,138.

Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $187,138
Growth Stage 51~500 $197,811
Established 501~5000 $213,341
Enterprise 5000+ $220,833

Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (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 VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$278,880$134.040%
Energy & Utilities$239,040$115.020%
Aerospace & Defense$219,120$105.010%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI'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
$189,900
Average $199,200/year
$206,100
$15,825
Average $16,600/month
$17,175
$3,652
Average $3,831/week
$3,963
$91
Average $96/hour
$99
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $206,100 $17,175 $3,963 $99
Average $199,200 $16,600 $3,831 $96
25th Percentile $189,900 $15,825 $3,652 $91

Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI, 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 VI Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineering Supervisor $131,900 -34%
Aerospace Aviation Engineering Supervisor $132,900 -33%
General Engineering Supervisor $86,000 -57%
GNC Engineer Manager $178,700 -10%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Aviation Engineer VI

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

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

2. What is the highest paying job in the world?

While many high-paying jobs exist, Aerospace Aviation Engineers command impressive salaries, with a minimum of $208,700, a mid-range of $227,300, and a maximum of $245,000. These engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft, playing a crucial role in the aerospace industry, which requires advanced technical skills and expertise.

3. What is the salary of a high level aerospace engineer?

The salary of a high-level aerospace engineer typically ranges from a minimum of $208,700 to a maximum of $245,000, with a mid-salary of $227,300. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the expertise required for advanced roles in aerospace engineering.

4. Why do aerospace engineers get paid so much?

Aerospace engineers command high salaries due to the extensive training and expertise required in their field. With a minimum salary of $208,700, a mid-range salary of $227,300, and a maximum salary reaching $245,000, their compensation reflects the complexity and responsibility of their work in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft.

5. How much does Boeing pay flight controls engineers?

The estimated total pay range for a Flight Control Engineer at Boeing is approximately $208,700 to $245,000 per year, based on the salary data for Aerospace Aviation Engineers. This range includes base salary and potential additional compensation.

6. Can aerospace engineers make 200k?

Yes, aerospace engineers can make over $200,000. The salary range for aerospace aviation engineers typically starts at $208,700, with a mid-salary of $227,300 and a maximum salary reaching $245,000. Experience in aerospace, defense, or regulated industries can significantly influence earning potential.

7. Why do aerospace engineers get paid so much?

Aerospace engineers command high salaries due to the extensive training and expertise required in their field. With a minimum salary of $208,700, a mid-range salary of $227,300, and a maximum salary reaching $245,000, their compensation reflects the complexity and responsibility of their work in designing and developing aircraft and spacecraft.

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.)

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