As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer III in the United States is $110,779 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $53.
However, an Aerospace Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aerospace 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Aerospace Engineer III | $107,408 |
| Intermediate Level Aerospace Engineer III | $107,972 |
| Senior Level Aerospace Engineer III | $109,101 |
| Specialist Level Aerospace Engineer III | $113,360 |
| Expert Level Aerospace Engineer III | $114,695 |
What Am I Worth?
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $113,828 and $119,335.
Aerospace Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.7% |
| High School | 2.9% |
| Associates | 2.7% |
| Bachelors | 31.8% |
| Masters | 49.5% |
| Doctorate | 12.4% |
Understanding how an Aerospace 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 November 01, 2025Salaries for an Aerospace Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $117,909 in 2023 to around $116,792 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $117,909 |
| 2024 | $118,066 |
| 2025 | $116,792 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $110,779 | 64.8% |
| Bonus | $12,791 | 7.5% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $9,453 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $5,190 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,471 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 4.9% |
| Pension | $6,673 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $15,209 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $170,918 | 100% |
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An Aerospace 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 Aerospace Engineer III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineer III is $139,726.
The highest pay for Aerospace Engineer III is $124,032.
The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineer III is $96,573.
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 generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
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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