How Much Does an Aerospace Engineer Make?

In the exciting field of aerospace engineering, you'll find that numerous factors can impact your earning potential. Experience, for instance, plays a significant role. Just like in any other profession, the more experience you gain, the higher your potential salary. For instance, an entry-level Aerospace Engineer can expect to earn less than a seasoned professional, who has spent years honing their skills and understanding of the field.

Similarly, your level of education and areas of specialization can significantly influence your salary. As an Aerospace Engineer, having a master's degree or a Ph.D. can substantially increase your earning potential compared to engineers with a bachelor's degree alone. Additionally, your chosen area of specialization - whether it be in aeronautical (aircraft) engineering, astronautical (spacecraft) engineering, or another subfield like controls and dynamics - can significantly affect your salary range. Lastly, the geographical location of your job can also have a substantial impact on your salary. Some areas, particularly those close to major industries or research centers, often offer higher salaries due to the high demand for Aerospace Engineers.

Aerospace Engineer Estimated Salary

High

$80.10/hour/hr

National Average

$64.58/hour/hr

Low

$48.91/hour/hr

Top Salary Locations for Aerospace Engineer Jobs

25%+

15% to 24%

5% to 14%

Industry Average

-5% to -14%

-15% to -24%

-25% or more

Salary for Aerospace Engineer Jobs Nationwide

Estimated salary range based on data from US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and iHireEngineering research efforts.

How Do You Negotiate Salary as an Aerospace Engineer?

Navigating salary negotiations as an Aerospace Engineer, whether you're a new hire or a seasoned professional, is a critical skill. Always come prepared with a clear understanding of the current market rates for your position before any salary discussions. A fantastic way to gather this information is by using the iHireEngineering Salary Research Tool. This resource provides accurate and up-to-date salary data based on your career title and location. Having a comprehensive knowledge of your worth in the job market is an essential stepping stone towards successful salary negotiation.

When asking for a raise as an Aerospace Engineer, start by highlighting your achievements and contributions to the company. Show how your work has positively impacted the organization. If you're negotiating your salary as a new hire, remember to consider the entire compensation package, not just the base salary. This could include bonuses, benefits, stock options, and other perks. Be confident in your skills and what you bring to the table. Ultimately, salary negotiation is a strategic discussion. Approach it tactfully, armed with research, and you'll be on your way to earning what you're worth!

Average Work Experience

Here's a breakdown of the number of years' experience offered by Aerospace Engineers

2-4 years

32.3%

4-6 years

20.5%

8-10 years

9.7%

1-2 years

9.4%

6-8 years

7.6%