As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineer I in the United States is $79,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Aviation Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Engineer I'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.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aviation Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Aviation Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,660 |
| Aviation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,651 |
| Aviation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,738 |
| Aviation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,155 |
| Aviation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $162,780 |
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 Aviation Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Aviation Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,509. While startup companies pay approximate $75,009.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,009 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,289 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $85,510 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $88,509 |
For Aviation Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Aviation Engineer positions in Software & Networking or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aviation Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $95,640 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $87,670 | $42.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,685 | $40.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Aviation Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aviation Engineer I, 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 II | $95,700 | 20% |
| Airport Design Engineer | $73,201 | -8% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer II | $95,690 | 20% |
| Intermediate Engineer | $92,200 | 16% |
Salaries for an Aviation Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $79,866 in 2023 to around $79,866 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $79,866 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Aviation Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Aviation engineers are indeed in demand, with a projected 6% growth from 2022 to 2032, resulting in about 3,800 annual openings. This demand is reflected in their salary range, with a minimum of $77,200, a mid-salary of $82,600, and a maximum of $87,800, making it a lucrative career choice in the aerospace sector.
Did you know that 40% of the world's billionaires are engineers? Engineers play a pivotal role in shaping our world and its development, serving as stewards who provide direction for nations. In fields like aviation engineering, salaries range from $77,200 to $87,800, reflecting the value of their expertise. We are currently in the most opportune period in history, largely due to their contributions.
Emirates Airline, based in Dubai, is known for offering competitive salaries for Aviation Engineers, with a salary range from $77,200 to $87,800. This makes it one of the highest-paying airlines in the industry. Graduating from a reputable institution and being fluent in English can enhance your chances of securing a position there.
Aviation Engineers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $77,200, a mid-range salary of $82,600, and a maximum of $87,800. While pilots may earn significantly more in certain states, Aviation Engineers also enjoy a rewarding compensation structure within the aviation industry.
Aircraft engineers in the US typically earn between $77,200 and $87,800 annually. The average salary is around $82,600, translating to approximately $6,883 per month. While top earners can make significantly more, the majority fall within this range, reflecting the demand and expertise required in the aviation industry.
Aviation Engineers typically earn between $77,200 and $87,800 annually, with a mid-salary of $82,600. While some engineering roles can reach $300,000, such high salaries are generally associated with senior positions like Senior Engineering Director or VP of Systems Engineering, rather than standard Aviation Engineer roles.
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