As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineer III in the United States is $110,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Aviation Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Engineer III'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 III'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 | $79,663 |
| Aviation Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,651 |
| Aviation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,743 |
| Aviation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,152 |
| Aviation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $162,784 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Aviation Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,931. While startup companies pay approximate $104,146.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $104,146 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $110,092 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $118,766 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $122,931 |
For Aviation Engineer III 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, Aviation Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aviation Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $155,120 | $75.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $144,040 | $69.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $132,960 | $64.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $121,880 | $59.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aviation Engineer III'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 Aviation Engineer III, 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 IV | $140,200 | 27% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer IV | $140,150 | 26% |
| Engineer - Specialist/Project Lead | $140,200 | 27% |
| GNC Engineer IV | $135,500 | 22% |
Salaries for an Aviation Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $117,872 in 2023 to around $117,872 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $117,872 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aviation Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
The salary range for an Aviation Engineer is approximately $111,100 to $129,800 per year. The average salary falls around $119,300 annually. This reflects the base salary without including additional compensation or benefits.
The highest salary for an Aviation Engineer is approximately $129,800. Salary ranges typically start from a minimum of $111,100, with a mid-level salary around $119,300. These figures reflect the compensation for professionals in the field, varying based on experience and specific roles within aviation engineering.
An Aviation Engineer at American Airlines Level 3 can expect a salary ranging from $111,100 to $129,800, with a mid-point salary of approximately $119,300. This reflects the competitive compensation for skilled professionals in the aviation engineering field.
Earning Potential: In general, pilots have the potential to earn higher salaries compared to engineers. For aviation engineers, the salary ranges from a minimum of $111,100 to a mid-level of $119,300, with a maximum of $129,800. While engineers have a solid earning potential, experienced pilots often surpass these figures, particularly at senior levels.
Yes, aircraft engineers are in demand. Many aviation businesses report a shortage of skilled, licensed engineers. With salaries ranging from $111,100 to $129,800, this profession offers competitive compensation, reflecting the industry's need for qualified professionals. The demand for talent continues to grow as the aviation sector expands.
Aviation engineering can be challenging, involving high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and complex projects. However, many professionals find fulfillment in overcoming these challenges. With salaries ranging from $111,100 to $129,800, the rewards can be significant, making the effort worthwhile for those passionate about advancements 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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