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Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Aerospace Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineering Manager in the United States is $162,609 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $78.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $180,204
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $149,213 to $171,819
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,017
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Engineering Manager Salaries

An Aerospace Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Engineering Manager'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 V (7-10 years): $161,824
  • Aerospace Engineer VI (10-12 years): $199,124
  • Aerospace Engineering Supervisor (12+ years): $132,837
  • Aerospace Engineering Manager (12+ years): $162,609
  • Aerospace Engineering Senior Manager (12+ years): $198,510
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Engineer V7-10 years$161,824
Aerospace Engineer VI10-12 years$199,124
Aerospace Engineering Supervisor12+ years$132,837
Aerospace Engineering Manager12+ years$162,609
Aerospace Engineering Senior Manager12+ years$198,510
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How Do Aerospace Engineering Managers 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 Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $180,041.
  • California: $179,358.
  • Massachusetts: $176,967.

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Engineering Manager

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: $205,099
  • San Francisco: $202,853
  • Oakland: $198,578

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Aerospace Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $180,582. While startup companies pay approximate $153,038.

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $153,038
Growth Stage 51~500 $161,771
Established 501~5000 $174,463
Enterprise 5000+ $180,582

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$227,653$109.040%
Energy & Utilities$211,392$102.030%
Aerospace & Defense$195,131$94.020%
MFG Durable$178,870$86.010%

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Aerospace Engineering Manager'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
$149,213
Average $162,609/year
$171,819
$12,434
Average $13,551/month
$14,318
$2,869
Average $3,127/week
$3,304
$72
Average $78/hour
$83
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $171,819 $14,318 $3,304 $83
Average $162,609 $13,551 $3,127 $78
25th Percentile $149,213 $12,434 $2,869 $72

Aerospace Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Aerospace Engineering Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Engineering Manager, 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 Senior Manager $179,722 11%
Aerospace Engineering Senior Manager $198,510 22%
Engineering Senior Manager $179,909 11%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Aerospace Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Aerospace Engineering Manager

1. Where can an Aerospace Engineering Manager earn the most?

An Aerospace Engineering Manager'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 Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineering Manager is $205,099.

2. What is the highest pay for Aerospace Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Aerospace Engineering Manager is $180,204.

3. What is the lowest pay for Aerospace Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineering Manager is $137,017.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aerospace Engineering Manager?

Manages the research and development of structural engineering specifications for aerospace components to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Designs flight testing protocols to evaluate prototypes, ensure material durability, and identify necessary improvements. Reviews calculations and simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Collaborates with production and engineering teams to ensure an adequate understanding of performance requirements and develops operations policies to ensure compliance with federal regulations. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Facilitates innovation by remaining up to date on technology advancements for application on design improvements of aerospace products. Negotiates and communicates with supply vendors to compare quotes to reduce costs and lead time. Leads the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Typically requires a master's degree. Typically reports to a director. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 - 3 years supervisory experience may be required. Extensive knowledge of the function and department processes.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Aerospace Engineering Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Engineering Manager 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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