As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Systems Engineer in the United States is $75,791 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, an Aircraft Systems Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft Systems 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 Aircraft Systems 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 Aircraft Systems Engineer | $74,059 |
| Intermediate Level Aircraft Systems Engineer | $74,370 |
| Senior Level Aircraft Systems Engineer | $75,095 |
| Specialist Level Aircraft Systems Engineer | $77,182 |
| Expert Level Aircraft Systems Engineer | $78,156 |
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 Systems Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Troubleshooting | 8.65% |
| Wiring Diagram | 2.33% |
| Technical Skills | 0.75% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Analysis
|
$84,886 |
12%
|
|
Security Clearance
|
$80,338 |
6%
|
|
Adaptability
|
$80,338 |
6%
|
|
System Integration
|
$79,580 |
5%
|
|
Mechanical Systems
|
$79,580 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$79,580 |
5%
|
For Aircraft Systems 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 MFG Durable and Transportation sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Aircraft Systems Engineer positions in Aerospace & Defense or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Aircraft Systems Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| MFG Durable | $90,949 | $44.0 | 20% |
| Transportation | $83,370 | $40.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aircraft Systems Engineers enter the field with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate 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 Systems Engineer with a High School Diploma or Technical Certificate is between $67,738 and $73,124).
Aircraft Systems Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.9% |
| High School | 44.9% |
| Associates | 29.5% |
| Bachelors | 19.9% |
| Masters | 3.2% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how an Aircraft Systems 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 Aircraft Systems Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,139 in 2023 to around $56,887 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Systems Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $56,139 |
| 2024 | $57,088 |
| 2025 | $56,887 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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