As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Engineering in the United States is $78,989 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Aircraft Engineering's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Engineering'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 Aircraft Engineering'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 |
|---|---|
| Aircraft ... Level Aircraft Engineering | $80,379 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Engineering | $96,512 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Engineering | $111,740 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Engineering | $141,411 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Engineering | $163,285 |
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 Aircraft Engineerings. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 21.59% |
| Technical Support | 2.65% |
| Agile | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$89,257 |
13%
|
|
Consulting
|
$89,257 |
13%
|
|
Resilience
|
$88,467 |
12%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$88,467 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$87,678 |
11%
|
|
Verification and Validation
|
$86,888 |
10%
|
For Aircraft Engineering roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Engineering positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Engineering as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $102,685 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $94,787 | $46.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,888 | $42.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $82,938 | $40.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Engineerings 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 Aircraft Engineering with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,310 and $85,973).
Aircraft Engineering Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 53.7% |
| Masters | 31.8% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Engineering'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 July 01, 2026Salaries for an Aircraft Engineering can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $82,191 in 2023 to around $80,515 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Engineering salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $82,191 |
| 2024 | $81,898 |
| 2025 | $80,515 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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