As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Design Engineer in the United States is $96,697 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, an Aerospace Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aerospace Design Engineer'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 Aerospace Design Engineer'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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Aerospace Design Engineer | $94,165 |
| Intermediate Level Aerospace Design Engineer | $94,463 |
| Senior Level Aerospace Design Engineer | $95,952 |
| Specialist Level Aerospace Design Engineer | $98,420 |
| Expert Level Aerospace Design Engineer | $101,216 |
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 Aerospace Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 12% |
| HACCP | 3.08% |
| Dental Care | 2.03% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Teamwork
|
$128,607 |
33%
|
|
Dental Hygiene
|
$116,036 |
20%
|
|
Clinical Skills
|
$115,069 |
19%
|
|
CPR
|
$114,102 |
18%
|
|
Infection Control
|
$113,135 |
17%
|
|
Leadership
|
$112,168 |
16%
|
For Aerospace Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 55% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Aerospace Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aerospace Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $130,541 | $63.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $112,168 | $54.0 | 16% |
| Software & Networking | $111,201 | $53.0 | 15% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $108,301 | $52.0 | 12% |
| Internet | $106,367 | $51.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Design Engineers 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 Aerospace Design Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $91,787 and $100,081).
Aerospace Design Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.4% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 1.8% |
| Bachelors | 37.0% |
| Masters | 57.6% |
| Doctorate | 1.2% |
Understanding how an Aerospace Design Engineer'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 Aerospace Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,166 in 2023 to around $82,187 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $83,166 |
| 2024 | $82,848 |
| 2025 | $82,187 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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