The average aviation engineer salary in North Dakota is around 85,170 dollars every year. Entry-level engineers earn close to 83,979 dollars, while more experienced ones make up to 86,486 dollars. The hourly wage is about 41 dollars. Cities like Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot pay the highest. Your location, level of education, and number of years on the job will affect how much you earn.
Introduction
Aviation engineers help to design, build, and take care of aircraft. In North Dakota, their work is very important, especially because of the growing aviation and defense work in the state. These engineers make sure that flight systems are working properly and are safe for use. Because of how serious their job is, they are paid well and are always needed.
Even though North Dakota is not one of the largest states, it still has top aviation companies doing business there. Big names like Boeing and Northrop Grumman have offices and operations in the state. That means more job chances for aviation engineers.
If you’re thinking of working as an aviation engineer in this state, you’re likely asking yourself how much money you can make. You might also want to know the kind of qualifications you need, and which companies hire the most. This article will break down all the information in a clear way to help you understand everything.
What You Should Know About Aviation Engineer Salary in North Dakota
Aviation engineers in North Dakota earn good pay, even though it’s not as high as in places like California. But when you add in the cost of living, engineers here can live comfortably. Many engineers earn between 78,430 and 91,320 dollars yearly. Most of them take home between 72,294 and 96,919 dollars, depending on their level and job location.
Someone just starting out might earn around 83,979 dollars every year. But someone with more years of experience, especially more than 8 years, can expect around 86,486 dollars yearly. That’s not a bad jump when you look at the few years in between.
The average hourly wage is about 41 dollars. If you work full time, that translates to roughly 1,640 dollars each week or close to 6,900 dollars monthly.
What Affects How Much Aviation Engineers Are Paid?
One of the biggest things that affects your salary is your experience. A fresh graduate might earn a bit less, but as you gain more years in the field, your pay increases. People who have been in the industry for 5 to 8 years earn more than beginners. If you’ve spent over 8 years on the job, expect even more pay.
Education is also important. Most aviation engineers have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. But if you have a master’s or even a PhD, it can help you get a better job with higher pay. Some jobs also require special certifications, and those can help increase your earnings too.
Where you live also plays a role. Cities like Fargo and Bismarck have more job opportunities, so companies in those areas offer slightly higher pay to attract and keep skilled workers.
Another important factor is demand. In North Dakota, the defense and aerospace industry keeps growing, and companies like Boeing and Northrop Grumman are often hiring. So the demand for aviation engineers is steady, and that helps keep salaries stable or rising.
Salary by City in North Dakota
In Fargo, aviation engineers earn an average of about 85,170 dollars yearly. Bismarck pays slightly more—around 86,000 dollars. Grand Forks is also good for experienced engineers, with salaries reaching up to 87,000 dollars. Minot is a bit lower, but still decent. New engineers in Minot earn around 83,000 dollars, while those with more years can make up to 86,000 dollars.
Even though these numbers are not very far apart, a few thousand dollars difference can matter, especially when you look at living costs, rent, and other personal expenses in each city.
What You Get Apart From Salary
Many aviation engineers in North Dakota also receive other benefits. These include health insurance, retirement plans like 401(k), and paid time off. Some companies help with relocation if you’re moving into the state. Others provide housing or transport support.
There are also good chances to grow in your career. As long as you continue learning and improving your skills, you can move up the ladder and take on more serious roles that come with better pay and responsibilities.
How to Become an Aviation Engineer in North Dakota
To work as an aviation engineer, you’ll need to go to university and get a bachelor’s degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering. Most employers ask for this at the very least. Some also want people with a master’s or doctorate degree.
Even though a license is not always needed, having a PE (Professional Engineer) license can help you stand out. It shows that you are qualified and serious about your job. You can also go for certificates in project management or software tools that are used in aviation work.
You’ll also need to be good with numbers, know how to solve problems, and communicate clearly. Using computer-aided design (CAD) software is part of the job, so it’s important to learn it well. You should also understand safety rules and government regulations related to flying and aircraft.
Which Companies Hire Aviation Engineers in North Dakota?
Boeing is one of the biggest companies in the field, and they hire aviation engineers for different roles including design and system analysis. Northrop Grumman is another top name, focusing more on defense projects. They usually look for engineers who can work on military aircraft and advanced flying systems.
The University of North Dakota also gives job opportunities. You might not be flying planes, but there are research jobs and technical roles that need engineering knowledge. Other small and medium aviation companies in the state are also hiring regularly.
What the Future Looks Like
There’s a good future for aviation engineers in North Dakota. The state is investing more in aerospace and defense. There’s also a lot of interest in drone technology and eco-friendly aircraft, so more companies are coming in to take advantage of that.
With all this growth, job opportunities are likely to increase, and salaries might go up too. More projects mean more hands are needed. Engineers who learn new skills and stay updated with technology will always be in demand.
How to Increase Your Salary as an Aviation Engineer
If you want to earn more, you need to do some homework. First, check what people in your position are earning in your area. Use sites like Salary.com or ask others in the industry. That way, you’ll know what to expect and how much to ask for.
Next, make sure you talk about your skills, certifications, and past projects when discussing salary. Show what you’ve done and how it helped the company. If you have other job offers, mention them—but don’t sound proud. Just be honest and firm.
Also, stay open to learning. Attend training, earn more certificates, or take extra courses. When companies see that you’re growing, they are more likely to pay you more so they don’t lose you.
Aviation Engineering in North Dakota
If you’re planning to become an aviation engineer in North Dakota or you’re already working in the field, the good news is that you’re in a strong position. The industry in this state might be smaller compared to places like Texas or California, but the quality of jobs and work experience here is very high.
Aviation engineering is respected, and most people working in this field find it rewarding. You get to work on real-life systems that affect flight safety and performance. Your work matters, and that makes the job meaningful.
With more investment coming into aerospace and defense in North Dakota, the chances for aviation engineers to grow are looking better every year. More projects, better technology, and a steady demand for engineers mean that this career path is not going away anytime soon.
Questions People Often Ask
What is the starting salary for aviation engineers in North Dakota?
Most new engineers earn around 83,979 dollars each year. This amount can grow with more experience and better qualifications.
Is the cost of living low in North Dakota compared to other states?
Yes, the cost of living in North Dakota is lower than in many other states. This means your salary can go further.
Do salaries change during the year?
Not really. The pay stays mostly the same, but some companies give bonuses or extra allowances during busy periods.
Which cities in North Dakota pay the highest for aviation engineers?
Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, and Minot are among the top-paying cities.
Is it easy to find work as an aviation engineer in the state?
The job market is strong, especially with more companies investing in defense and aerospace projects.
What are the new trends in aviation engineering in North Dakota?
Drone technology, safety systems, and sustainable flying are areas that are growing fast and need more skilled people.
Before You Go…
Aviation engineers in North Dakota are well-paid and enjoy steady job security. The work they do supports the safety and growth of the aviation industry in the state. While the salaries here may not match those in bigger cities like Los Angeles or New York, they are still very good when you consider how affordable it is to live in North Dakota.
There are many ways to grow in this field. From getting more certificates to working on different types of aircraft, the opportunities are many. If you focus on improving yourself and staying current with new technology, your salary and career can grow faster.
If you’re already in the field or planning to enter, now is a good time to make your move.
For more information on aviation careers, visit Salary.com or Aerospace Industries Association.