As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aerospace Test Engineer in California is $104,915 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, an Aerospace Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Aerospace Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $110,601 | $9,217 | $2,127 | $53 |
| Average | $104,915 | $8,743 | $2,018 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,651 | $8,138 | $1,878 | $47 |
Raytheon - Campbell, CA
Jobot - Sunnyvale, CA
Jobot - Torrance, CA
TRIGO Group - Palo Alto, CA
An Aerospace Test 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aerospace Test 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 Test Engineer | $103,200 |
| Intermediate Level Aerospace Test Engineer | $103,402 |
| Senior Level Aerospace Test Engineer | $105,866 |
| Specialist Level Aerospace Test Engineer | $108,367 |
| Expert Level Aerospace Test Engineer | $108,546 |
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 Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Aerospace Test Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Aerospace Test Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Aerospace Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $115,407 | $55.0 | 10% |
Understanding how an Aerospace Test 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $110,601 | $9,217 | $2,127 | $53 |
| Average | $104,915 | $8,743 | $2,018 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,651 | $8,138 | $1,878 | $47 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aerospace Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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