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Aerospace Engineer II Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer II in the United States is $95,651 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $107,140
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $89,173 to $101,665
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $83,275

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Engineer II Salaries

An Aerospace Engineer II'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 II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Engineer II'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): $79,659
  • Aerospace Engineer II (2-4 years): $95,651
  • Aerospace Engineer III (4-7 years): $110,738
  • Aerospace Engineer IV (7+ years): $140,152
  • Aerospace Engineer V (7-10 years): $161,824
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Engineer I0-2 years$79,659
Aerospace Engineer II2-4 years$95,651
Aerospace Engineer III4-7 years$110,738
Aerospace Engineer IV7+ years$140,152
Aerospace Engineer V7-10 years$161,824

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineer II

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: $120,645
  • San Francisco: $119,324
  • Oakland: $116,809

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 19.05% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Systems (Mentioned in 2.38% Job Postings): A computer system is a set of integrated devices that input, output, process, and store data and information. Computer systems are currently built around at least one digital processing device.
  • Support Services (Mentioned in 2.38% Job Postings): Support Services means those activities provided to or on behalf of a person in the areas of personal care and assistance and property maintenance in order to allow a person to live in the least restrictive environment.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 19.05%
Computer Systems 2.38%
Support Services 2.38%

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 II's salary.

  • Resilience: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Agile: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Technical Support: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Resilience $109,042
14%
Agile $102,347
7%
Technical Support $100,434
5%

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

Aerospace Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $106,223. While startup companies pay approximate $90,021.

Aerospace Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $90,021
Growth Stage 51~500 $95,158
Established 501~5000 $102,624
Enterprise 5000+ $106,223

Aerospace Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Engineer II 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 MFG Durable 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 II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
MFG Durable$124,346$60.030%
Aerospace & Defense$114,781$55.020%
Software & Networking$105,216$51.010%
Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit$100,434$48.05%

How Education impacts an Aerospace Engineer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Engineer II 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 II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $92,664 and $96,750.

Aerospace Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Aerospace Engineer II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.8%
High School 1.8%
Associates 1.0%
Bachelors 37.8%
Masters 54.9%
Doctorate 3.8%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Engineer II'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
$89,173
Average $95,651/year
$101,665
$7,431
Average $7,971/month
$8,472
$1,715
Average $1,839/week
$1,955
$43
Average $46/hour
$49
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $101,665 $8,472 $1,955 $49
Average $95,651 $7,971 $1,839 $46
25th Percentile $89,173 $7,431 $1,715 $43

Aerospace Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Engineer II, 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.

Aerospace Engineer II Salary Growth and Career Path
Next Step Role Estimate Salary Projected Raise
Aeronautical Engineer III $110,738 16%
Aerospace Engineer III $110,738 16%
Engineer III $110,735 16%
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III $115,836 21%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Engineer II

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Engineer II

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Engineer II

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

An Aerospace Engineer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineer II is $120,645.

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

The highest pay for Aerospace Engineer II is $107,140.

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

The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineer II is $83,275.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aerospace Engineer II?

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. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Gaining exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Typically requires 2-4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Aerospace Engineer II?

The MFG Durable industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Engineer II 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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