Discover aviation engineering salary trends in the U.S. and learn how to maximize your earnings in this growing field.
Aviation engineering plays a massive role in the aerospace industry. Aviation engineers design, develop, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and other systems related to aviation. With growing demand for air travel and technological advancements, there is an increasing need for aviation engineers in the United States.
If you’re interested in becoming an aviation engineer, one of the first things you might want to know is how much you can expect to earn. In this article, we’ll talk about the aviation engineering salary in the U.S. for 2025 and break down factors that affect your pay, the highest-paying jobs, and the career outlook for aviation engineers.
Average Aviation Engineering Salary in the United States
The salary of an aviation engineer in the United States can vary based on experience, location, and specialization. In 2025, the average salary for an aviation engineer is around $85,000 to $110,000 per year. Let’s take a closer look at how the salary changes with experience.
Salary Breakdown by Experience Level:
- Entry-level aviation engineering salary: For new graduates or those with less than 3 years of experience, salaries typically start between $60,000 and $75,000 annually.
- Mid-career aviation engineering salary: For those with 5 to 10 years of experience, the salary range is usually between $85,000 and $110,000 per year.
- Senior-level aviation engineering salary: Professionals with over 10 years of experience can earn between $120,000 and $150,000 or even higher annually.
Geographical Variations
Salaries can also differ depending on where you work. Some states and cities offer higher salaries for aviation engineers. For example:
- California: Known for its aerospace industry, aviation engineers in California often earn $120,000 or more per year.
- Texas: Cities like Houston and Dallas have strong aerospace industries, and engineers in these areas can earn $110,000 to $130,000 annually.
- Washington: Home to Boeing, one of the world’s largest aerospace companies, engineers in Washington can earn $120,000 or more annually.
Factors Influencing Aviation Engineering Salaries
Several factors can influence how much you can earn as an aviation engineer. Here are some of the most important factors that affect your salary.
Education Level
The level of education you have will directly affect your salary. Most aviation engineers have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. However, getting a master’s degree or higher qualifications can increase your salary. Having a master’s degree can raise your salary by $10,000 to $20,000 a year compared to those with just a bachelor’s degree.
Certifications
Certifications also play a role in your salary. For example, obtaining FAA certifications (Federal Aviation Administration) or a Professional Engineer (PE) license can open doors to higher-paying jobs. These certifications show that you have advanced knowledge and skills, which can increase your salary by 10-15%.
Industry
The industry in which you work also impacts your pay. For example:
- Commercial aviation: Engineers working for airlines or aircraft manufacturers typically earn $85,000 to $110,000 per year.
- Defense and space exploration: These industries often pay more, with salaries ranging from $110,000 to $150,000 due to the technical and high-security nature of the work.
- Private aviation:Engineers working in private aviation usually make between $90,000 and $120,000 a year. How much you earn depends on the company you work for and what your job duties are.
Interested in other aviation careers? Check out our post on “Aircraft Dispatcher Salary in the United States“ to explore another exciting role in the aviation industry!
Location
Where you work can have a big impact on how much you earn. States with a high cost of living, such as California, Texas, and Washington, tend to offer higher salaries for aviation engineers. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the cost of living in these states may also be higher.
Specializations
Aviation engineering covers many different areas. Engineers who specialize in specific fields can often earn more. Some high-demand specializations include:
- Aerodynamics: Engineers who focus on the design of aircraft shapes and their interaction with air can earn higher salaries.
- Propulsion systems: Engineers who work on engines and propulsion systems are in demand and can command high salaries.
- Avionics: Engineers who specialize in electrical systems and avionics (electronics systems used in aircraft) are highly sought after.
Highest Paying Aviation Engineering Jobs
Some roles within aviation engineering offer higher salaries than others. Here are a few of the highest-paying jobs in the field:
- Aerospace Engineer: Aerospace engineers design and develop aircraft and spacecraft. They can earn between $100,000 and $150,000 a year, with top earners making over $180,000.
- Flight Test Engineer: These engineers are responsible for testing aircraft and analyzing their performance. They typically earn between $110,000 and $160,000 annually.
- Systems Engineer: Systems engineers work on designing and integrating complex systems within aircraft or spacecraft. Their salary ranges from $90,000 to $140,000 a year.
- Avionics Engineer: Avionics engineers focus on the electrical systems in aircraft. They usually earn between $95,000 and $130,000 annually.
Companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA are well-known for offering high-paying positions to aviation engineers. These companies not only offer competitive salaries but also provide opportunities to work on exciting projects in commercial aviation, defense, and space exploration.
Career Outlook for Aviation Engineers
The career outlook for aviation engineers is very promising. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job market for aerospace engineers, which includes aviation engineers, is expected to grow by 8% from 2022 to 2032. This is faster than the average growth rate for all occupations.
New trends are expected to increase demand for aviation engineers, including:
- Sustainable aviation: As the world pushes for greener technologies, there will be more demand for engineers who can develop eco-friendly aircraft.
- Drone technology: As drones become more widely used for commercial, military, and recreational purposes, there will be a growing need for engineers with expertise in drone design and maintenance.
- Space tourism: As private companies like SpaceX and Blue Origin work on commercial spaceflight, there will be increased demand for engineers in the space industry.
With job growth expected in these areas, aviation engineers can look forward to strong job security and opportunities to advance in their careers.
Tips to Maximize Your Aviation Engineering Salary
If you want to maximize your aviation engineering salary, here are a few tips to help you:
- Pursue advanced degrees: Getting a master’s degree or a Ph.D. in a specialized field can help you qualify for higher-paying positions.
- Get certifications: Consider earning FAA certifications or a PE license to increase your earning potential.
- Gain experience in high-demand specializations: Specializing in areas like aerodynamics, propulsion systems, or avionics can make you more competitive in the job market and lead to higher salaries.
- Relocate to high-paying states: If you’re open to moving, consider relocating to states with higher salaries, such as California, Texas, or Washington.
- Network with professionals: Join organizations like the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) and attend industry events to meet potential employers and expand your opportunities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the aviation engineering salary in the United States offers excellent earning potential. Salaries for aviation engineers range from $60,000 to $150,000 per year, depending on factors such as experience, education, specialization, and location. With job growth in areas like sustainable aviation and space exploration, the future for aviation engineers looks bright.
If you’re interested in a rewarding career with great salary potential and job security, aviation engineering could be the right path for you.
Start your journey in aviation engineering today and unlock a rewarding career with competitive salaries!