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Aerospace Engineer I Salary in the United States

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

As of November 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer I in the United States is $79,649 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $90,231
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,503 to $85,188
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,907
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Engineer I Salaries

An Aerospace 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Aerospace Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace 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:

  • Aerospace Engineer I (0-2 years): $79,649
  • Aerospace Engineer II (2-4 years): $98,105
  • Aerospace Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,723
  • Aerospace Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,160
  • Aerospace Engineer V (7-10 years): $161,810
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Engineer I0-2 years$79,649
Aerospace Engineer II2-4 years$98,105
Aerospace Engineer III4-7 years$110,723
Aerospace Engineer IV7+ years$140,160
Aerospace Engineer V7-10 years$161,810
View as Graph

How Do Aerospace Engineer I 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 Aerospace Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,187.
  • California: $87,853.
  • Massachusetts: $86,682.

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineer Is

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: $100,461
  • San Francisco: $99,361
  • Oakland: $97,267

What Skills Can Increase an Aerospace Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 21.59% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Technical Support (Mentioned in 2.65% Job Postings): Offering hands-on assistance and solutions to end-users in addressing and troubleshooting technical issues.
  • Agile (Mentioned in 1.89% Job Postings): Agile is a development process where feedback is continuously gathered from users to create the best user experience.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 21.59%
Technical Support 2.65%
Agile 1.89%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Aerospace Engineer I's salary.

  • Strategic Thinking: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Consulting: Can increase your salary by up to 13%.
  • Resilience: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Strategic Thinking $90,003
13%
Consulting $90,003
13%
Resilience $89,207
12%
Get Latest Data

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

Aerospace Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $88,181. While startup companies pay approximate $74,821.

Aerospace Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $74,821
Growth Stage 51~500 $79,063
Established 501~5000 $85,185
Enterprise 5000+ $88,181

Aerospace Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$103,544$50.030%
Aerospace & Defense$95,579$46.020%
Energy & Utilities$87,614$42.010%
MFG Durable$83,631$40.05%

How Education impacts an Aerospace Engineer I's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Engineer I enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Aerospace Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,310 and $85,973.

Aerospace Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Aerospace Engineer I
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 2.4%
Associates 3.3%
Bachelors 53.7%
Masters 31.8%
Doctorate 8.2%
View as Graph

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

Understanding how an Aerospace 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 November 01, 2026
$73,503
Average $79,649/year
$85,188
$6,125
Average $6,637/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 $85,188 $7,099 $1,638 $41
Average $79,649 $6,637 $1,532 $38
25th Percentile $73,503 $6,125 $1,414 $35

Aerospace Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Aerospace Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace 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 $98,827 24%
Airport Engineer $73,578 -8%
Aerospace Engineer II $98,105 23%
Engineer II $92,110 16%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Engineer I

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

An Aerospace 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 Aerospace Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineer I is $100,461.

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

The highest pay for Aerospace Engineer I is $90,231.

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

The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineer I is $67,907.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aerospace Engineer I?

Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. 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 Aerospace Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 30% 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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