As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer I in the United States is $79,687 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Aerospace Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Compensation Planning
Develop a Job Description
Pay Equity
2025 Compensation Trend
AI-Powered HR
AI-Powered Talent
An Aerospace Engineer I'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 Aerospace Engineer I'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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineer I | 0-2 years | $79,687 |
| Aerospace Engineer II | 2-4 years | $95,652 |
| Aerospace Engineer III | 4-7 years | $110,779 |
| Aerospace Engineer IV | 7+ years | $140,130 |
| Aerospace Engineer V | 7-10 years | $161,864 |
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 Aerospace Engineer Is. 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Leadership
|
$87,656 |
10%
|
|
Innovation
|
$86,062 |
8%
|
|
Mechanical Engineering
|
$84,468 |
6%
|
|
Planning
|
$83,671 |
5%
|
|
Initiative
|
$81,281 |
2%
|
|
Aerospace Engineering
|
$80,484 |
1%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Aerospace Engineer Is 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 an Aerospace Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $82,310 and $85,973).
Aerospace Engineer I 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 an Aerospace Engineer I'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 May 18, 2021Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Aerospace Engineer I, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer II | $95,652 | 20% |
| Airport Engineer | $71,967 | -10% |
| Aerospace Engineer II | $95,652 | 20% |
| Engineer II | $92,156 | 16% |
Salaries for an Aerospace Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $81,458 in 2023 to around $79,797 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aerospace Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $81,458 |
| 2024 | $81,168 |
| 2025 | $79,797 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Aerospace Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Aerospace Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Get a Salary Increase
Analyze the market and your qualifications to negotiate your salary with confidence.
Search Job Openings
Search thousands of open positions to find your next opportunity.
Adjust Employee Salary
Individualize employee pay based on unique job requirements and personal qualifications.
Price My Industry Jobs
Get the latest market price for benchmark jobs and jobs in your industry.
An Aerospace Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, an Aerospace Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of an Aerospace Engineer I is $100,509.
The highest pay for Aerospace Engineer I is $90,093.
The lowest pay for Aerospace Engineer I is $67,959.
Researches and develops structural engineering specifications for aerospace products, parts, or associated operations to improve the efficiency and reliability of aerospace systems. Analyzes results of stress tests on various craft and missile parts to determine material durability and tolerances. Oversees flight tests of prototypes and analyzes resulting data to validate flight characteristics and identify necessary improvements. Conducts calculations and utilizes simulations to evaluate aerodynamics, structural integrity, propulsion efficiency, and the effect on fuel consumption of new or existing materials. Utilizes CAE, 3-D, and digital modeling to create detailed plans and specifications to support production. Assists quality assurance and purchasing teams with the evaluation of new or existing suppliers, products and materials, or technologies. Understands and complies with all federal regulatory requirements and specifications. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Work is closely managed. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
Salary.com's CompAnalyst platform offers:
