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Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Salary in the United States

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

As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager in the United States is $179,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $86.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $202,725
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $170,600 to $191,800
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $162,224
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View as table View as graph 25% $170,600 10% $162,224 90% $202,725 75% $191,800 $179,800 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $191,800 $15,983 $3,688 $92
Average $179,800 $14,983 $3,458 $86
25th Percentile $170,600 $14,217 $3,281 $82
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Key Factors That Influence Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Salaries

An Aviation Engineering Senior 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 Senior Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aviation Engineering Senior 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): $199,554
  • Aviation Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $131,830
  • Aviation Engineering Manager (12+ years): $158,639
  • Aviation Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $179,776
  • Aviation Engineering Director (12+ years): $200,875
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aviation Engineer VI10-12 years$199,554
Aviation Engineering Supervisor12+ years$131,830
Aviation Engineering Manager12+ years$158,639
Aviation Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$179,776
Aviation Engineering Director12+ years$200,875
$199,554 Aviation ...
$131,830 Aviation ...
$158,639 Aviation ...
$179,776 Aviation ...
$200,875 Aviation ...
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Senior Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $199,100.
  • California: $198,300.
  • Massachusetts: $195,700.

Top Paying Cities for Aviation Engineering Senior 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: $226,800
  • San Francisco: $224,600
  • Oakland: $219,600

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

Understanding how an Aviation Engineering Senior 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 January 01, 2026

Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aviation Engineering Senior 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 Senior Manager Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aviation Engineering Director $200,900 12%
General Engineering Director $201,000 12%

Salary Trends for Aviation Engineering Senior Manager

Salaries for an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary from $162,823 in 2023 to around $162,823 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aviation Engineering Senior Manager salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Aviation Engineering Senior Manager Over Time

2023
$???
2024
$162,823
2025
$???
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2023
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2024 $162,823
2025
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2026
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2027
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Most common benefits for Aviation Engineering Senior Manager

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

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

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FAQ about Aviation Engineering Senior Manager

1. What is the highest paying Engineering Manager's salary?

The highest paying salary for an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager is $243,900 per year. In comparison, other cities in the U.S. report lower salaries, such as Seattle, WA at $204,766, and Rolling Meadows, IL at $167,878. The salary range for this position typically falls between $198,800 and $243,900.

2. What is the highest rank in aviation?

The highest ranks in aviation, typically represented by 4 stripes or 4 stripes and 1 star, are reserved for captains. Achieving this prestigious position requires significant service years and completion of a professional training program. In terms of compensation, an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager can expect a salary ranging from $198,800 to $243,900, with a mid-point of $224,700.

3. What is the highest salary for aviation management?

The highest salary for an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager is approximately $243,900. Salaries for entry-level positions typically range from $198,800 to $224,700 for mid-level roles. Aviation graduates have various career paths, including jobs or further studies like BBA or MBA.

4. How much do aviation managers make in the US?

Aviation Engineering Senior Managers in the US earn between $198,800 and $243,900 annually, with a median salary of approximately $224,700. These figures reflect the competitive compensation for this role, highlighting the expertise and responsibility involved in aviation management.

5. Which is the highest paid career in aviation?

Aviation Engineering Senior Managers are among the highest-paid professionals in the aviation sector. Their salaries range from a minimum of $198,800 to a mid-level of $224,700, with top earners making up to $243,900 annually. This positions them competitively within the industry, reflecting their critical role in aviation operations and management.

6. What is the best job in the aviation industry?

One of the best jobs in the aviation industry is that of an Aviation Engineering Senior Manager, with a salary range from $198,800 to $243,900, and a mid-salary of $224,700. This role involves overseeing engineering projects and ensuring compliance with safety standards, making it both a lucrative and impactful position in the 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.)

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