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Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary in the United States

How much does a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager in the United States is $163,494 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.

However, a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $181,368
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $149,948 to $172,850
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $137,615
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salaries

A Guidance, Navigation & Control 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 Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Guidance, Navigation & Control 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:

  • Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III (4-7 years): $115,836
  • Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV (7+ years): $135,471
  • Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V (7-10 years): $168,584
  • Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer VI (10-12 years): $212,084
  • Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager (12+ years): $163,494
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer III4-7 years$115,836
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer IV7+ years$135,471
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer V7-10 years$168,584
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineer VI10-12 years$212,084
Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager12+ years$163,494
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How Do Guidance, Navigation & Control 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 Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $181,021.
  • California: $180,334.
  • Massachusetts: $177,931.

Top Paying Cities for Guidance, Navigation & Control 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: $206,215
  • San Francisco: $203,957
  • Oakland: $199,659

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $183,022. While startup companies pay approximate $154,832.

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $154,832
Growth Stage 51~500 $163,754
Established 501~5000 $176,740
Enterprise 5000+ $183,022

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Financial Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$204,368$98.025%
Financial Services$196,193$94.020%
Pharmaceuticals$188,018$90.015%
Aerospace & Defense$183,113$88.012%
Energy & Utilities$179,843$86.010%

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Guidance, Navigation & Control 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
$149,948
Average $163,494/year
$172,850
$12,496
Average $13,625/month
$14,404
$2,884
Average $3,144/week
$3,324
$72
Average $79/hour
$83
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $172,850 $14,404 $3,324 $83
Average $163,494 $13,625 $3,144 $79
25th Percentile $149,948 $12,496 $2,884 $72

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager Salary Growth & Career Path

Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager

Next Role

Advancement

Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As a Guidance, Navigation & Control 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 10%
Aerospace Engineering Senior Manager $198,510 21%
Engineering Senior Manager $179,909 10%

Most common benefits for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager

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

Common company salaries for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager

Here are companies hiring for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager

1. Where can a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager earn the most?

A Guidance, Navigation & Control 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, a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager is $206,215.

2. What is the highest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager?

The highest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager is $181,368.

3. What is the lowest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager?

The lowest pay for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager is $137,615.

4. What are the responsibilities of Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager?

Manages a team of guidance, navigation, and control (GNC) engineers. Oversees the design, implementation, and testing of systems, algorithms, and simulation tools used to control the movement of vehicles, such as automobiles, ships, aircraft, or spacecraft. Monitors and reviews the designs for performance and functionality. Evaluates results to determine issues and develops solutions. Stays current on the latest GNC standards and best practices. Requires a bachelor's degree in engineering. 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 Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Guidance, Navigation & Control Engineering Manager roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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