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Aeronautical Engineer III Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aeronautical Engineer III in the United States is $110,728 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $124,092
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,294 to $117,723
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,526
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aeronautical Engineer III Salaries

An Aeronautical Engineer III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aeronautical Engineer III'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): $79,653
  • Aeronautical Engineer II (2-4 years): $98,439
  • Aeronautical Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,728
  • Aeronautical Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,160
  • Aeronautical Engineer V (7-10 years): $162,773
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aeronautical Engineer I0-2 years$79,653
Aeronautical Engineer II2-4 years$98,439
Aeronautical Engineer III4-7 years$110,728
Aeronautical Engineer IV7+ years$140,160
Aeronautical Engineer V7-10 years$162,773
View as Graph

How Do Aeronautical Engineer III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $122,598.
  • California: $122,133.
  • Massachusetts: $120,505.

Top Paying Cities for Aeronautical Engineer IIIs

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: $139,661
  • San Francisco: $138,132
  • Oakland: $135,221

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

Aeronautical Engineer III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $122,644. While startup companies pay approximate $104,034.

Aeronautical Engineer III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $104,034
Growth Stage 51~500 $109,944
Established 501~5000 $118,478
Enterprise 5000+ $122,644

Aeronautical Engineer III Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aeronautical Engineer III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 80% (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, Aeronautical Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aeronautical Engineer III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aeronautical Engineer III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$155,019$75.040%
Energy & Utilities$143,946$69.030%
Aerospace & Defense$132,874$64.020%
MFG Durable$121,801$59.010%

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

Understanding how an Aeronautical Engineer III'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 October 01, 2026
$103,294
Average $110,728/year
$117,723
$8,608
Average $9,227/month
$9,810
$1,986
Average $2,129/week
$2,264
$50
Average $53/hour
$57
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $117,723 $9,810 $2,264 $57
Average $110,728 $9,227 $2,129 $53
25th Percentile $103,294 $8,608 $1,986 $50

Aeronautical Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

Aeronautical Engineer III

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aeronautical Engineer III, 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 IV $140,160 27%
Aerospace Engineer IV $140,158 27%
Engineer IV $140,160 27%
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV $135,467 22%

Most common benefits for Aeronautical Engineer III

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

Common company salaries for Aeronautical Engineer III

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

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FAQ about Aeronautical Engineer III

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

An Aeronautical Engineer III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aeronautical Engineer III is $139,661.

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

The highest pay for Aeronautical Engineer III is $124,092.

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

The lowest pay for Aeronautical Engineer III is $96,526.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aeronautical Engineer III?

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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aeronautical Engineer III roles, with salaries approximately 40% 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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