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Aeronautical Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does an Aeronautical Engineer I make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aeronautical Engineer I in the United States is $79,660 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, an Aeronautical Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,229
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,512 to $85,192
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,915
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aeronautical Engineer I Salaries

An Aeronautical Engineer I'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 Aeronautical Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aeronautical Engineer I'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:

  • Aeronautical Engineer I (0-2 years): $79,660
  • Aeronautical Engineer II (2-4 years): $95,651
  • Aeronautical Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,738
  • Aeronautical Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,155
  • Aeronautical Engineer V (7-10 years): $162,780
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aeronautical Engineer I0-2 years$79,660
Aeronautical Engineer II2-4 years$95,651
Aeronautical Engineer III4-7 years$110,738
Aeronautical Engineer IV7+ years$140,155
Aeronautical Engineer V7-10 years$162,780
View as Graph

How Do Aeronautical Engineer Is 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 Aeronautical Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,200.
  • California: $87,865.
  • Massachusetts: $86,694.

Top Paying Cities for Aeronautical Engineer I

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: $100,475
  • San Francisco: $99,375
  • Oakland: $97,281

Aeronautical Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Aeronautical Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,465. While startup companies pay approximate $74,971.

Aeronautical Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $74,971
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,250
Established 501~5000 $85,467
Enterprise 5000+ $88,465

Aeronautical Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aeronautical Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Aeronautical Engineer positions in Software & Networking or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aeronautical Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aeronautical Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Aerospace & Defense$95,592$46.020%
Business Services$87,626$42.010%
Energy & Utilities$83,643$40.05%

Aeronautical Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Aeronautical Engineer I'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 August 01, 2026
$73,512
Average $79,660/year
$85,192
$6,126
Average $6,638/month
$7,099
$1,414
Average $1,532/week
$1,638
$35
Average $38/hour
$41
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $85,192 $7,099 $1,638 $41
Average $79,660 $6,638 $1,532 $38
25th Percentile $73,512 $6,126 $1,414 $35

Aeronautical Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Aeronautical Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aeronautical Engineer I, 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
Aeronautical Engineer II $95,651 20%
Airport Engineer $73,178 -8%
Aerospace Engineer II $95,651 20%
Engineer II $92,122 16%

Most common benefits for Aeronautical Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Aeronautical Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Aeronautical Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Aeronautical Engineer I

1. Where can an Aeronautical Engineer I earn the most?

An Aeronautical Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Aeronautical Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aeronautical Engineer I is $100,475.

2. What is the highest pay for Aeronautical Engineer I?

The highest pay for Aeronautical Engineer I is $90,229.

3. What is the lowest pay for Aeronautical Engineer I?

The lowest pay for Aeronautical Engineer I is $67,915.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aeronautical Engineer I?

Designs aircraft and helicopter parts and propulsion systems to optimize aerodynamic performance and promote safe, efficient, and reliable operation. Develops computational models and simulations to understand and assess the performance of aircraft design and identify necessary improvements. Conducts prototype testing and utilizes wind tunnels to understand aerodynamic principles such as lift, drag, and maneuverability and evaluate the performance and safety in various conditions. Collects, processes, and analyzes aircraft data and conducts calculations to understand and estimate flight parameters. Utilizes CAE tools to analyze structural integrity and ensure aircraft parts can withstand stresses and loads encountered during flight. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Aeronautical Engineer I?

The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Aeronautical Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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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