As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineering Director in the United States is $200,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $97.
However, an Aviation Engineering Director's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aviation Engineering Director'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 Engineering Director'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 VI | 10-12 years | $199,485 |
| Aviation Engineering Supervisor | 12+ years | $131,813 |
| Aviation Engineering Manager | 12+ years | $158,633 |
| Aviation Engineering Senior Manager | 12+ years | $179,730 |
| Aviation Engineering Director | 12+ years | $200,871 |
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 Engineering Directors. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Aviation Engineering Director salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $222,895. While startup companies pay approximate $188,835.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $188,835 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $199,617 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $215,344 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $222,895 |
For Aviation Engineering Director roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 140% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 60% above the average. In contrast, Aviation Engineering Director positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aviation Engineering Director as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $321,440 | $155.0 | 60% |
| Energy & Utilities | $261,170 | $126.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $241,080 | $116.0 | 20% |
| MFG Durable | $210,945 | $101.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Aviation Engineering Director'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, 2026For an Aviation Engineering Director, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Division VP of Engineering role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $235,500 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for an Aviation Engineering Director can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $189,788 in 2023 to around $189,788 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineering Director salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2023 |
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| 2024 | $189,788 |
| 2025 |
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| 2026 |
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| 2027 |
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