If you are curious about how much aircraft design engineers make, you are not alone.
In this guide, we will explain aircraft design engineer salaries, what factors affect pay, and how much you can expect depending on your experience, education, and location.
What Does an Aircraft Design Engineer Do?
Aircraft design engineers are professionals who work on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, this includes airplanes, helicopters, drones, and even spacecraft in some cases.
They might work on:
- Aerodynamics (how air flows over the aircraft)
- Structural components (the body, wings, and internal frame)
- Systems integration (combining electronics, engines, and controls)
- Materials (choosing the right metals or composites)
Aircraft design engineers usually work for aerospace companies, defense contractors, airlines, or government agencies like NASA or the FAA.
Average Aircraft Design Engineer Salary in 2025
So how much do they make?
As of 2025, the average salary for an aircraft design engineer in the United States is $94,000 to $130,000 per year.
Of course, that’s a general range. Your actual salary can be much higher or lower depending on many factors (which will explain shortly). Here’s a breakdown:
| Job Title | Average Salary (2025) |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level Aircraft Design Engineer | $70,000 – $85,000 |
| Mid-Level Engineer (5–10 yrs) | $95,000 – $115,000 |
| Senior Engineer (10+ yrs) | $120,000 – $150,000+ |
| Lead or Chief Engineer | $150,000 – $200,000+ |
Salary by Experience Level
Experience plays a big role in how much you earn.
Entry-Level (0–2 years)
- Salary: $70,000–$85,000
- Often start as junior engineers or assistants
- Usually work under supervision and gain hands-on experience
Mid-Level (3–10 years)
- Salary: $95,000–$115,000
- Work independently on complex systems
- May lead small teams or projects
Senior-Level (10+ years)
- Salary: $120,000–$150,000+
- Lead design teams and make major design decisions
- Often mentor younger engineers and interface with clients
Executive or Leadership Roles
- Salary: $150,000–$200,000+
- Titles include Lead Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Engineering Director
- Handle budgets, design strategy, and high-level innovation
Salary by Location
Where you work has a big impact on your paycheck. Here’s a look at average salaries in different U.S. states:
| Location | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| California | $125,000 |
| Texas | $115,000 |
| Florida | $110,000 |
| Washington (State) | $120,000 |
| Alabama | $100,000 |
| Massachusetts | $125,000 |
| Arizona | $105,000 |
| Colorado | $110,000 |
Cost of living is also a factor that engineers in California may earn more, but expenses are also higher.
Salary by Industry Sector
Not all aircraft engineers work for the same type of company. Here’s how salary can vary by employer type:
| Industry | Average Salary |
|---|---|
| Aerospace Manufacturers (e.g., Boeing, Airbus) | $120,000 |
| Defense Contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin) | $125,000 |
| Government Agencies (e.g., NASA, FAA) | $100,000 |
| Airline Companies (e.g., Delta, United) | $105,000 |
| Private Spaceflight (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin) | $130,000+ |
Private companies tend to pay more, especially those focused on defense or space innovation.
Factors That Influence Salary
Several factors can raise or lower your salary:
Education Level
- Bachelor’s degree: Minimum requirement for most jobs
- Master’s degree: Can lead to higher-paying, specialized roles
- PhD: Often leads to research or leadership roles in aerospace labs
Certifications
- PE License (Professional Engineer)
- FE (Fundamentals of Engineering)
- FAA Certifications for design approval
These credentials can make you more valuable to employers.
Technical Skills
Knowing tools like:
- CATIA
- SolidWorks
- MATLAB
- ANSYS or CFD software Can boost your salary, especially if you’re strong in simulation or stress analysis.
Company Size
- Large aerospace companies usually pay more and offer better benefits
- Startups might pay less but offer stock options
How to Increase Your Earning Potential
If you are already in the field or just starting out, here is how to grow your salary:
1. Continue Your Education
Getting a Master’s in Aerospace Engineering or an MBA can open doors to senior roles.
2. Gain Specialized Skills
Focus on hot areas like:
- Sustainable aviation (electric aircraft)
- UAVs (drones)
- Spacecraft design
3. Relocate for Opportunity
States like California, Texas, and Washington offer high-paying jobs in aerospace hubs.
4. Pursue Leadership
Move into project management or team leadership to command higher pay.
5. Certifications
Getting certified (like a PE license) shows credibility and boosts your resume.
