As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Propulsion Design Engineer in the United States is $92,348 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.
However, a Propulsion Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Propulsion 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 a Propulsion 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 |
|---|---|
| Benefits ... Level Propulsion Design Engineer | $58,287 |
| Benefits ... Level Propulsion Design Engineer | $69,306 |
| Propulsio... Level Propulsion Design Engineer | $92,890 |
| Benefits ... Level Propulsion Design Engineer | $111,496 |
| Benefits ... Level Propulsion Design Engineer | $104,123 |
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 Propulsion Design Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Customer Service | 9.23% |
| Billing | 4.25% |
| HRIS Systems | 2.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Resource Management
|
$104,354 |
13%
|
|
Project Management
|
$101,583 |
10%
|
|
Client Service
|
$100,660 |
9%
|
|
Installation
|
$99,736 |
8%
|
|
Analysis
|
$98,813 |
7%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$98,813 |
7%
|
For Propulsion Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Propulsion Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Propulsion Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $110,818 | $53.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $110,818 | $53.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $110,818 | $53.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $110,818 | $53.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $110,818 | $53.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Propulsion 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 a Propulsion Design Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $91,442 and $96,223).
Propulsion Design Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.0% |
| High School | 4.7% |
| Associates | 4.7% |
| Bachelors | 65.8% |
| Masters | 21.8% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a Propulsion 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Propulsion Design Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $85,306 in 2023 to around $84,068 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Propulsion Design Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $85,306 |
| 2024 | $84,761 |
| 2025 | $84,068 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Propulsion Design Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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