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Aviation Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Aviation Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineering Manager in the United States is $158,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $76.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $175,894
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $145,600 to $167,700
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $133,673
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View as table View as graph 25% $145,600 10% $133,673 90% $175,894 75% $167,700 $158,700 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Aviation Engineering Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $167,700 $13,975 $3,225 $81
Average $158,700 $13,225 $3,052 $76
25th Percentile $145,600 $12,133 $2,800 $70
Check out Aviation Engineering Manager Job Openings in the United States
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L3Harris Technologies - Oxford, OH

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Lead Software Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - Oxford, OH

Specialist Electrical Engineering

L3Harris Technologies - Mason, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Aviation Engineering Manager Salaries

An Aviation Engineering Manager'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 Aviation Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aviation Engineering Manager'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:

  • Aviation Engineer VI (10-12 years): $199,520
  • Aviation Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $131,822
  • Aviation Engineering Manager (12+ years): $158,636
  • Aviation Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $179,753
  • Aviation Engineering Director (12+ years): $200,873
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aviation Engineer VI10-12 years$199,520
Aviation Engineering Supervisor12+ years$131,822
Aviation Engineering Manager12+ years$158,636
Aviation Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$179,753
Aviation Engineering Director12+ years$200,873
$199,520 Aviation ...
$131,822 Aviation ...
$158,636 Aviation ...
$179,753 Aviation ...
$200,873 Aviation ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Aviation Engineering Managers

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: $200,100
  • San Francisco: $198,200
  • Oakland: $193,800

Aviation Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Aviation Engineering Manager'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 April 01, 2026

Aviation Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aviation Engineering Manager, 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.

Aviation Engineering Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineering Senior Manager $179,800 13%
Aerospace Aviation Engineering Senior Manager $198,500 25%
General Engineering Senior Manager $179,900 13%

Salary Trends for Aviation Engineering Manager

Salaries for an Aviation Engineering Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $138,797 in 2023 to around $138,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineering Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Aviation Engineering Manager Over Time

2023
$???
2024
$138,797
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $138,797
2025
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2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Aviation Engineering Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Aviation Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Aviation Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Aviation Engineering Manager

1. Which type of engineering has the highest salary?

Aviation Engineering Managers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $162,400, a mid-range of $178,200, and a maximum of $196,400. Among engineering fields, aviation engineering is one of the highest-paying, reflecting the specialized skills and expertise required in this sector.

2. Do aviation engineers make good money?

Aviation engineers can earn competitive salaries, especially in managerial roles. The salary data for an Aviation Engineering Manager shows a minimum of $162,400, a mid-range of $178,200, and a maximum of $196,400 per year. This indicates that aviation engineering can be a lucrative career path, particularly for those in management positions.

3. How long does it take to become an Engineering Manager?

The journey to becoming an engineering manager typically takes several years of dedicated effort and experience. While there's no strict timeline, many successful engineering managers spend 5-10 years progressing through various stages of their careers. In this role, you can expect a salary ranging from $162,400 to $196,400, with a mid-salary of $178,200.

4. Do engineers or engineering managers make more money?

Engineering managers typically earn more than engineers. For instance, an Aviation Engineering Manager has a salary range from $162,400 to $196,400, with a mid-salary of $178,200. In contrast, engineers across various industries average around $79,840 annually. This highlights the significant earning potential for engineering managers, particularly in specialized fields like aviation.

5. Do aviation engineers make good money?

Aviation Engineering Managers earn competitive salaries, with a minimum of $162,400, a mid-range of $178,200, and a maximum of $196,400 annually. This reflects the high demand and specialized skills required in the field, making it a lucrative career choice for those in aviation engineering.

6. Which airlines pay the highest salary?

Top paying companies for Aviation Engineering Managers include Atlas Air Worldwide, offering salaries significantly above the industry average. The salary range for this role typically falls between $162,400 and $196,400, with a mid-salary of $178,200. Other airlines may also provide competitive compensation, but these figures highlight the potential earnings in this field.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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