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Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salary in the United States

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I in the United States is $69,468 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,562
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $62,434 to $75,275
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $56,030
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salaries

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

How Experience Level Affects Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Maintenance 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 Maintenance Engineer I (0-2 years): $69,468
  • Aerospace Maintenance Engineer II (2-4 years): $83,303
  • Aerospace Maintenance Engineer III (4-7 years): $98,678
  • Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV (7+ years): $120,870
  • Aerospace Maintenance Engineer V (7-10 years): $142,654
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I0-2 years$69,468
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer II2-4 years$83,303
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer III4-7 years$98,678
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer IV7+ years$120,870
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer V7-10 years$142,654
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How Do Aerospace Maintenance Engineer Is 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 Maintenance Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $76,915.
  • California: $76,623.
  • Massachusetts: $75,602.

Top Paying Cities for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

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: $87,620
  • San Francisco: $86,661
  • Oakland: $84,834

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

Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $77,146. While startup companies pay approximate $65,379.

Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $65,379
Growth Stage 51~500 $69,110
Established 501~5000 $74,532
Enterprise 5000+ $77,146

Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 115% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Maintenance Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$104,202$50.050%
Energy & Utilities$93,782$45.035%
Aerospace & Defense$86,835$42.025%
MFG Durable$72,941$35.05%

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

Understanding how an Aerospace Maintenance 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 August 01, 2026
$62,434
Average $69,468/year
$75,275
$5,203
Average $5,789/month
$6,273
$1,201
Average $1,336/week
$1,448
$30
Average $33/hour
$36
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,275 $6,273 $1,448 $36
Average $69,468 $5,789 $1,336 $33
25th Percentile $62,434 $5,203 $1,201 $30

Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Maintenance 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
Aircraft Support Engineer II $93,093 34%
Aerospace Maintenance Engineer II $83,303 20%
Software Support Engineer II $83,303 20%

Most common benefits for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

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

Common company salaries for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I

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

An Aerospace Maintenance 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 Maintenance Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I is $87,620.

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

The highest pay for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I is $80,562.

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

The lowest pay for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I is $56,030.

4. What are the responsibilities of Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I?

Conducts service, repair, and overall maintenance tasks for aerospace products or parts to ensure the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Routinely tests and inspects aerospace components and installs replacements, repairs, or modifications to facilitate optimal and safe functionality. Maintains accurate records of services and procedures performed on aerospace components and documents and reports issues, malfunctions, and unusual wear or damage of parts. Recommends inspection procedures and retirement thresholds to ensure safe and optimal operation. Follows guidelines and technical handbooks to ensure compliance with aviation regulations and safety standards. Acts as a source of knowledge for troubleshooting and diagnosing issues and may perform maintenance demonstrations for customers or stakeholders. 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 Maintenance Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Aerospace Maintenance Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% 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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