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

Aerospace Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Aerospace Engineer in San Jose, CA.

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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%
$182,240
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $87.61/hr
📊 80% Range: $129,200 – $265,200
📍 Regional Multiplier: +36% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $129,200
25th % Junior $155,720
50th % Median $182,240
75th % Senior $223,720
90th % Top 10% $265,200
Base Annual Salary $182,240
Target Annual Bonus $21,869
Annual Stock / Equity $40,093
Total Compensation (TC) $244,202
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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 San Jose, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $182,240/yr median benchmark.

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Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Jose, CA

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
$129,200
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Aerospace Engineer

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$182,240
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Aerospace Engineer

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$223,720
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$265,200

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 San Jose, CA?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineer in San Jose, CA is $182,240, with entry-level professionals earning around $129,200 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $265,200.

What is the average hourly rate for a Aerospace Engineer in San Jose, CA?

On average, a Aerospace Engineer in San Jose, CA makes approximately $87.61 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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