Data current as of August 2026 · sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET
Average base salary, South Carolina
$136,000 / year
≈ $11,350 per month · $65.38 per hour
BLS May 2025 state data for South Carolina · median $142,000
25th percentile
$106,000Average
$136,00075th percentile
$166,000
$106,000Average
$136,00075th percentile
$166,000
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, aged to 2026 using compounded market movement. State selections show BLS state-level figures where published. Actual pay varies with experience, industry, and organization size.
Aerospace Engineer salary by state
Alabama$136,500
Alaska$118,000
Arizona$134,500
Arkansas$105,500
California$165,500
Colorado$162,500
Connecticut$133,000
District of Columbia$160,000
Florida$135,500
Georgia$145,000
Hawaii$164,000
Idaho$102,000
Illinois$130,000
Indiana$122,500
Kansas$130,000
Kentucky$138,000
Louisiana$148,500
Maryland$165,000
Massachusetts$151,000
Michigan$130,000
Minnesota$150,500
Mississippi$122,500
Missouri$144,500
Nebraska$150,500
Nevada$122,500
New Jersey$136,000
New Mexico$146,500
New York$140,500
North Carolina$132,000
Ohio$142,500
Oklahoma$124,500
Oregon$134,500
Pennsylvania$140,000
South Carolina$136,000
Tennessee$126,500
Texas$142,000
Utah$144,000
Vermont$143,500
Virginia$161,000
Washington$161,500
Wisconsin$107,000
About this role
Aerospace Engineer is a professional role within the function in the Architecture and Engineering job family.
Pay for this title reflects both its level and its scope; see our Title Level and Organization Responsibility guides for how WePayFairly defines them.
What Aerospace Engineers do
Typical education: Bachelor's Degree
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Top skills: Critical Thinking Science Reading Comprehension Writing Speaking Operations Analysis
Includes information from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (CC BY 4.0).
Aerospace Engineer pay by experience level
Entry level$89,500
Typical starting pay (about the 10th percentile)
Early career$110,000
A few years in (about the 25th percentile)
Experienced$139,500
Mid-career median pay
Senior$175,500
Seasoned professionals (about the 75th percentile)
Top earners$213,000
Highest earners (about the 90th percentile)
Experience tiers are derived from the BLS wage percentile distribution for this occupation, aged to 2026. Actual pay varies by employer, location, and specialization.
Job outlook
+6.1%
projected change in jobs, 2024–2034
4,500
projected openings per year
Growing about as fast as average
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program (2024–2034). Openings include growth and replacement needs.
Aerospace Engineer salary by industry
Transportation Equipment Manufacturing
26,100 workers
$148,500Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
25,900 workers
$148,500Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
20,150 workers
$149,000Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
11,130 workers
$144,000Federal, State, and Local Government, excluding State and Local Schools and Hospitals and USPS
9,530 workers
$147,500Federal Executive Branch (OEWS Designation)
9,510 workers
$147,500Computer and Electronic Product Manufacturing
6,300 workers
$141,000Scientific Research and Development Services
5,820 workers
$156,000Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
5,770 workers
$141,500Computer Systems Design and Related Services
2,390 workers
$158,000National sector-level figures, BLS OEWS May 2025, aged to 2026.
How this role compares
Aerospace Engineer pays 36% above the average across 59 roles in the Architecture and Engineering job family (family average $108,000).
Similar-paying roles in Architecture and Engineering
Nuclear Engineer$145,500
Chemical Engineer$134,500
Petroleum Engineer$162,500
Computer Hardware Engineer$168,500
Materials Engineer$124,500
Careers related to Aerospace Engineer
Related occupations from O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make?
The average base salary for a Aerospace Engineer in the United States is $147,000 per year, or about $70.67 per hour.
What is the typical salary range?
Pay typically falls between $110,000 and $175,500 per year (25th to 75th percentile) depending on experience, location, industry, and organization size.
How does this compare with other Architecture and Engineering roles?
The Architecture and Engineering job family averages $108,000 across 59 roles tracked by WePayFairly.
Need a defensible market price for this role?
WePayFairly data is compiled from published survey sources and maintained by compensation professionals.
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