Aerospace Engineer Average Salary

As of May 2008, the overall average annual salary for all aerospace engineers was $93,980, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Salaries varied, however, based upon the engineer's industry and geography.

Overall Range

The lowest paid 10 percent of aerospace engineers were paid $58,130 or less as of May 2008, explains BLS. The highest paid 10 percent earned $134,570 or more.

Largest Employers

The largest employers of aerospace engineers were architectural and engineering firms and the federal government as of May 2008, reports BLS. Professionals working in these areas averaged salaries of $95,220 and $103,810, respectively.

Highest Paying Employers

The highest paying employers of aerospace engineers were employment services like temp agencies, computer systems design services, scientific research companies and technical consulting services, where engineers earned an average of $104,770 to $112,110 as of May 2008, explains BLS.

Geography

Aerospace engineers working in Massachusetts, New Mexico, the District of Columbia, California and Maryland in May 2008, according to BLS, earned average salaries of $103,730 to $110,110.

Benefits

In addition to their salaries, aerospace engineers reported earning benefits that increased their overall compensation, such as 2.1 to 3.5 weeks paid vacation, explains Payscale.com. Engineers also averaged yearly bonuses of $1,983 to $3,018.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Aerospace Engineers