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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Design Engineer in North Carolina is $106,862 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $51.
However, an Aircraft Design Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Aircraft Design Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $113,682 | $9,474 | $2,186 | $55 |
| Average | $106,862 | $8,905 | $2,055 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,858 | $8,321 | $1,920 | $48 |
INFOSYS NOVA HOLDINGS LLC - Kinston, NC
Cross Technologies Inc. - Greensboro, NC
Computer Task Group, Inc - Charlotte, NC
ISAT Total Support - Matthews, NC
An Aircraft 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Aircraft 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 |
|---|---|
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $76,510 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $91,870 |
| Aircraft ... Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $106,360 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $134,612 |
| Aerospace... Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $155,427 |
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 Design 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 Aircraft Design Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 35% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Design Engineer positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Design Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $144,264 | $69.0 | 35% |
| Energy & Utilities | $133,578 | $64.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $122,892 | $59.0 | 15% |
| MFG Durable | $112,205 | $54.0 | 5% |
Understanding how an Aircraft 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $113,682 | $9,474 | $2,186 | $55 |
| Average | $106,862 | $8,905 | $2,055 | $51 |
| 25th Percentile | $99,858 | $8,321 | $1,920 | $48 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aircraft Design Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
SunEnergy1LLC
Shawboro, NC
SunEnergy1LLC | Shawboro, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Position Summary. We are seeking a skilled Design Engineer to support the design and development of utility-scale solar p... more
9 Days Ago
Bennett & Pless Inc
Raleigh, NC
Bennett & Pless Inc | Raleigh, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Who We Are. For more than 60 years, Bennett & Pless has been a growing leader in structural engineering, delivering speci... more
6 Days Ago
Highlander Consultants
Charlotte, NC
Highlander Consultants | Charlotte, NC
JOB TITLE: Design Engineer, Medical Devices & Manufacturing Transfer. COMPANY OVERVIEW: Our client is a pioneering force in critical care, committed to rev... more
7 Days Ago
Bolton & Menk, Inc
Charlotte, NC
Bolton & Menk, Inc | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Bolton & Menk has an exciting opportunity for a Design Engineer, EIT, to join our Transportation team in our Charlotte of... more
10 Days Ago
Aegis Worldwide
Asheville, NC
Aegis Worldwide | Asheville, NC
Electrical CAD Design Engineer. Location. Asheville, NC Area. Schedule. First Shift. Position Type. Direct Hire. About the Opportunity. A leading manufactu... more
7 Days Ago
Prolec-GE Waukesha,Inc
Goldsboro, NC
Prolec-GE Waukesha,Inc | Goldsboro, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Prolec GE is now part of The GE Vernova Group. JOB SUMMARY. This position is responsible for executing portions of the el... more
7 Days Ago
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