As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Spacecraft Engineer in the United States is $78,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Spacecraft Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Spacecraft 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 Spacecraft 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 |
|---|---|
| Spacecraf... Level Spacecraft Engineer | $78,220 |
| Aerospace... Level Spacecraft Engineer | $93,920 |
| Aerospace... Level Spacecraft Engineer | $108,739 |
| Aerospace... Level Spacecraft Engineer | $137,613 |
| Aerospace... Level Spacecraft Engineer | $158,900 |
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 Spacecraft Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 21.59% |
| Technical Support | 2.65% |
| Agile | 1.89% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Strategic Thinking
|
$88,848 |
13%
|
|
Consulting
|
$88,848 |
13%
|
|
Resilience
|
$88,061 |
12%
|
|
Systems Engineering
|
$88,061 |
12%
|
|
Project Management
|
$87,275 |
11%
|
|
Verification and Validation
|
$86,489 |
10%
|
For Spacecraft Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Spacecraft Engineer positions in Transportation or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Spacecraft Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $102,214 | $49.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $94,352 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $86,489 | $42.0 | 10% |
| MFG Durable | $82,558 | $40.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Spacecraft 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 Spacecraft Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,310 and $85,973).
Spacecraft Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.4% |
| Associates | 3.3% |
| Bachelors | 53.7% |
| Masters | 31.8% |
| Doctorate | 8.2% |
Understanding how a Spacecraft 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 a Spacecraft Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $79,984 in 2023 to around $78,353 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Spacecraft Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $79,984 |
| 2024 | $79,699 |
| 2025 | $78,353 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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