Aerospace Engineer Salary in USA 2025
Aviation, defense contractors, and security clearance premiums
Aerospace Engineer Salary Range
How Much Do Aerospace Engineers Earn in 2025?
Aerospace engineers are specialized engineering professionals who design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, missiles, and defense systems. They work on some of the most technically challenging and high-stakes projects in engineering.
2025 aerospace engineer salaries show strong earning potential: average $96,703–$153,350, with entry-level starting at $78,916 and senior/principal engineers earning $175,784–$227,295. Defense contractors pay an average of $109,506, with top-paying locations like San Jose reaching $216,207 (97% above national average).
Security clearance significantly impacts compensation—engineers with active Top Secret/SCI clearances command 15–30% salary premiums at defense contractors. Aerospace engineers regularly reach $100K+ territory. For context, see the average salary in the US.
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Experience Level
Experience creates substantial salary progression in aerospace:
| Level | Experience | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer I | Entry-level | $78,916–$86,020 |
| Aerospace Engineer II | 1–4 years | $87,636–$96,337 |
| Aerospace Engineer III | 5–9 years | $118,395 |
| Aerospace Engineer IV | 10–15 years | $146,067 |
| Aerospace Engineer V | 15–20 years | $175,784 |
| Aerospace Engineer VI | 20+ years | $227,295 |
Aerospace Engineer I (Entry-Level)
Salary: $78,916–$86,020
Focus: Learning aerospace fundamentals, supporting senior engineers, CAD work, analysis.
Aerospace Engineer II (Early Career, 1–4 Years)
Salary: $87,636–$96,337
Focus: Independent project work, subsystem design, testing support.
Aerospace Engineer III (Mid-Career, 5–9 Years)
Salary: $118,395
Focus: Project leadership, complex system design, technical mentoring.
Aerospace Engineer IV (Senior, 10–15 Years)
Salary: $146,067
Focus: Senior technical roles, system architecture, team coordination.
Aerospace Engineer V (Lead, 15–20 Years)
Salary: $175,784
Focus: Lead engineering, program technical leadership, innovation.
Aerospace Engineer VI (Principal, 20+ Years)
Salary: $227,295
Focus: Technical fellow, subject matter expert, strategic consulting.
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Employer Type
Employer type significantly impacts compensation:
| Employer Type | Average Salary Range | Major Employers |
|---|---|---|
| Defense Contractors | $109,506 | Lockheed, Boeing Defense, Raytheon |
| Commercial Space | $100K–$160K+ | SpaceX, Blue Origin |
| Commercial Aviation | $95K–$140K | Boeing, Airbus |
| NASA/Government | $90K–$130K | NASA, DoD, FAA |
| Aerospace Suppliers | $85K–$120K | Honeywell, UTC |
Defense Contractors (Highest Base Pay)
Average: $109,506 nationally
Major employers: Lockheed Martin, Boeing Defense, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, General Dynamics
Pros: Highest base salaries, security clearance premiums, stable government contracts, excellent benefits
Security clearance premium: +15–30% for Top Secret/SCI
Commercial Space (New Space)
Average: $100,000–$160,000+ (highly variable)
Major employers: SpaceX, Blue Origin, Rocket Lab, Sierra Space
Pros: Cutting-edge innovation, rapid development pace, equity potential
Cons: Long hours, high pressure, startup risk
Commercial Aviation
Average: $95,000–$140,000
Major employers: Boeing Commercial, Airbus, Embraer, Bombardier
Pros: Large-scale programs, global reach, strong engineering culture
NASA/Government
Average: $90,000–$130,000 (GS scale)
Pros: Mission-driven, excellent benefits, job security, work-life balance
Benefits: Federal pension, student loan forgiveness (PSLF), stability
Aerospace Engineer Salary by Location
Geographic location creates dramatic salary differences:
| Location | Average Salary | Premium vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Jose, CA | $216,207 | +97% |
| Seattle/Puget Sound, WA | $120K–$160K | +10–46% |
| Los Angeles, CA | $110K–$150K | +0–37% |
| DC Metro | $100K–$140K | -9–28% |
| Huntsville, AL | $95K–$130K | -13–19% |
| Houston, TX | $90K–$130K | -18–19% |
San Jose, CA (Highest-Paying)
Average: $216,207 (+97% versus national average)
Why high: Commercial space companies, tech aerospace, extreme cost of living
Seattle/Puget Sound, WA
Average: $120,000–$160,000
Key employers: Boeing, Blue Origin, SpaceX
Huntsville, AL (Best Value)
Average: $95,000–$130,000
Key employers: NASA Marshall, defense contractors
Lower cost of living offers excellent purchasing power.
Security Clearance Salary Premium
Security clearances significantly increase aerospace engineer compensation:
| Clearance Level | Salary Premium |
|---|---|
| No clearance | Baseline |
| Secret clearance | +10–15% |
| Top Secret (TS) | +15–25% |
| Top Secret/SCI | +20–30% |
| TS/SCI with polygraph | +25–35% |
Why Clearances Command Premiums
Limited talent pool (only US citizens can obtain clearances), time-consuming process (6–18 months), and access to classified programs all justify premium pay.
Clearance Example
Aerospace Engineer IV without clearance: $146,067
Same engineer with TS/SCI: $175,000–$190,000 (+20–30%)
What Aerospace Engineers Do: Role and Responsibilities
Core Responsibilities
Aircraft/spacecraft design, aerodynamics analysis, structural analysis, propulsion systems, flight testing, systems integration, CAD modeling, and simulation.
Specializations
Aerodynamics, structures, propulsion, flight dynamics, avionics, and systems engineering.
Essential Tools
CATIA, SolidWorks, MATLAB, ANSYS, CFD software, and flight simulation.
Job Outlook and Career Growth
Solid Outlook
BLS projects growth driven by aircraft demand, defense spending, and commercial space expansion. The New Space industry is creating new opportunities.
Career Progression
Technical track: Aerospace Engineer I → II → III → IV → V → VI (Principal/Technical Fellow)
Management track: Aerospace Engineer → Senior Engineer → Lead Engineer → Engineering Manager → Director
How to Increase Your Aerospace Engineer Salary
Gain Experience
Principal engineers earn $227,295 versus entry-level $78,916—a 2.9x increase.
Obtain Security Clearance
TS/SCI adds 20–30% premium at defense contractors.
Target Top-Paying Locations
San Jose pays $216,207 (+97% versus national).
Join Defense Contractors
Average $109,506, higher than general aerospace.
Consider Commercial Space
Cutting-edge work with potential equity upside at companies like SpaceX.
Earn Advanced Degree
Master's/PhD opens R&D and senior technical roles.
Specialize in High-Demand Areas
Propulsion, autonomy, and hypersonics command premiums.
See our salary negotiation guide for strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average aerospace engineer salary in 2025?
Aerospace engineers earn $96,703–$153,350 on average. PayScale reports $96,703 average, while Salary.com reports $153,350 average. Range spans $78,916 entry-level to $227,295 for principal engineers.
How much do entry-level aerospace engineers make?
Entry-level aerospace engineers (Aerospace Engineer I) earn $78,916–$86,020 according to PayScale and Salary.com data.
Do defense contractors pay more than commercial aerospace?
Yes. Defense contractors pay $109,506 average, with additional 15–30% premiums for engineers with security clearances. Commercial aerospace typically pays $95,000–$140,000.
How much does a security clearance increase aerospace engineer salary?
Security clearances add significant premiums: Secret +10–15%, Top Secret +15–25%, TS/SCI +20–30%, and TS/SCI with polygraph +25–35%. An engineer earning $146K without clearance could earn $175K–$190K with TS/SCI.
Which location pays aerospace engineers the most?
San Jose, CA pays highest at $216,207 (+97% above national average). Seattle, Los Angeles, and DC Metro also pay significant premiums. Huntsville, AL offers strong salaries with lower cost of living.