🚀 Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Aerospace Engineer Salary in California

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Aerospace Engineer in California.

🛡️
Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +6%
$167,500
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $80.53/hr
📊 80% Range: $118,750 – $243,750
📍 Regional Multiplier: +25% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $118,750
25th % Junior $143,125
50th % Median $167,500
75th % Senior $205,625
90th % Top 10% $243,750
Base Annual Salary $167,500
Target Annual Bonus $20,100
Annual Stock / Equity $36,850
Total Compensation (TC) $224,450
🛡️
Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Aerospace Engineer Openings in California

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $167,500/yr median benchmark.

View All Openings →

Salary Progression by Experience Level in California

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Aerospace Engineer

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Aerospace Engineer

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$118,750
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Aerospace Engineer

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$167,500
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Aerospace Engineer

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$205,625
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$243,750

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$184,920

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$182,240

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$179,560

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$171,520

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$171,520

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$171,520

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$167,500

California

COL Index: 142%
$167,500

Role Profile & Career Requirements

Aerospace Engineers design, test, and manufacture aircraft, rockets, satellites, missile systems, and orbital space propulsion hardware.

Required Education
Bachelor's / Master's in Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering
Experience Benchmark
3-6 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+6%

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in California?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineer in California is $167,500, with entry-level professionals earning around $118,750 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $243,750.

What is the average hourly rate for a Aerospace Engineer in California?

On average, a Aerospace Engineer in California makes approximately $80.53 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

-- Openings Active