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Aerospace Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer VI in the United States is $199,112 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $96.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $212,340
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $189,832 to $206,036
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $181,383
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Engineer VI Salaries

An Aerospace Engineer VI'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 Aerospace Engineer VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Engineer VI'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 IV (7+ years): $140,155
  • Aerospace Engineer V (7-10 years): $161,819
  • Aerospace Engineer VI (10-12 years): $199,112
  • Aerospace Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $132,835
  • Aerospace Engineering Manager (12+ years): $162,612
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Engineer IV7+ years$140,155
Aerospace Engineer V7-10 years$161,819
Aerospace Engineer VI10-12 years$199,112
Aerospace Engineering Supervisor12+ years$132,835
Aerospace Engineering Manager12+ years$162,612
View as Graph

How Do Aerospace Engineer VI 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 VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $220,457.
  • California: $219,621.
  • Massachusetts: $216,694.

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineer VIs

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: $251,140
  • San Francisco: $248,390
  • Oakland: $243,156

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

Aerospace Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $220,735. While startup companies pay approximate $187,055.

Aerospace Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $187,055
Growth Stage 51~500 $197,724
Established 501~5000 $213,247
Enterprise 5000+ $220,735

Aerospace Engineer VI Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Engineer VI 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, Aerospace Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$278,757$134.040%
Energy & Utilities$238,934$115.020%
Aerospace & Defense$219,023$105.010%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Engineer VI'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 September 01, 2026
$189,832
Average $199,112/year
$206,036
$15,819
Average $16,593/month
$17,170
$3,651
Average $3,829/week
$3,962
$91
Average $96/hour
$99
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $206,036 $17,170 $3,962 $99
Average $199,112 $16,593 $3,829 $96
25th Percentile $189,832 $15,819 $3,651 $91

Aerospace Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Aerospace Engineer VI

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Engineer VI, 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 Engineering Supervisor $131,807 -34%
Aerospace Engineering Supervisor $132,835 -33%
Engineering Supervisor $85,932 -57%
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager $178,633 -10%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Engineer VI

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

An Aerospace Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineer VI is $251,140.

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

The highest pay for Aerospace Engineer VI is $212,340.

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

The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineer VI is $181,383.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aerospace Engineer VI?

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. Typically requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

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

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Engineer VI 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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