As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineer IV in the United States is $140,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $67.
However, an Aviation Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Engineer IV'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 IV'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 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 |
| Aviation Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $199,485 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Aviation Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $155,549. While startup companies pay approximate $131,780.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $131,780 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $139,305 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $150,280 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $155,549 |
For Aviation Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 105% (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 Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aviation Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $196,280 | $94.0 | 40% |
| Energy & Utilities | $182,260 | $88.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $168,240 | $81.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $154,220 | $74.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aviation Engineer IV'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 IV, 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 V | $162,800 | 16% |
| Aerospace Aviation Engineer V | $161,830 | 15% |
| Engineer - Expert/Consultant | $161,900 | 15% |
| GNC Engineer V | $168,600 | 20% |
Salaries for an Aviation Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $133,565 in 2023 to around $133,565 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $133,565 |
| 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 IV roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
A licensed aircraft engineer in the USA earns between $134,300 and $161,800 annually, with a median salary of $146,600. This reflects a competitive salary range in the aviation engineering field, highlighting the demand for skilled professionals in this industry.
Aerospace engineers typically earn between $134,300 and $161,800, with a mid-salary of $146,600. While some experienced professionals may approach or exceed $200,000, it is not the standard for most in the field. The salary range reflects the diverse roles and expertise within aerospace engineering.
Aviation Engineers are among the highest-paid engineers in the USA, with salaries ranging from $134,300 to $161,800 annually. The average salary for an Aviation Engineer is approximately $146,600, making this field highly lucrative compared to other engineering disciplines.
Aviation Engineers are among the highest-paid engineering professionals, with a salary range reflecting their expertise. The minimum salary is $134,300, the mid-salary is $146,600, and the maximum salary can reach $161,800. This positions them competitively alongside other high-paying engineering fields like Petroleum and Aerospace Engineering.
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 $134,300 to $161,800, the rewards can be significant, making the effort worthwhile for those passionate about advancements in the field.
According to projections for 2025, some of the most in-demand engineering fields in the USA include Aerospace Engineering, which offers competitive salaries ranging from $134,300 to $161,800. Other high-demand areas are Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electronics and Computer Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Chemical Engineering.
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