Engineering Tuscaloosa, AL Pop. 101,129

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama

The median aerospace engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, AL is $111,654 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 1.1% above the Alabama state average.

City Median
$111,654
vs State Avg
+$1,268
vs National
$-15,226
Cost of Living
88%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Tuscaloosa: What to Expect (2026)

Tuscaloosa offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $111,654, which is $1,268 above the Alabama state average of $110,386. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Tuscaloosa pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Tuscaloosa's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $111,654 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $126,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Tuscaloosa an attractive option for aerospace engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Tuscaloosa spans from $68,640 at the 10th percentile to $168,960 at the 90th percentile — a $100,320 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $70,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,800. With a population of 101,129, Tuscaloosa is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa by Experience

In Tuscaloosa, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $70,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$70,400
$-9,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$112,640
$-15,360 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,800
$-22,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tuscaloosa, AL

Percentile Tuscaloosa
10th Percentile $68,640
25th Percentile $88,000
Median (50th) $111,654
75th Percentile $140,800
90th Percentile $168,960

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Alabama Cities

Huntsville, AL
$116,730
Pop. 216,963
Birmingham, AL
$114,192
Pop. 197,575
Montgomery, AL
$109,117
Pop. 200,603
Mobile, AL
$107,848
Pop. 187,041

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Tuscaloosa

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tuscaloosa and the surrounding Alabama area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Tuscaloosa may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Tuscaloosa

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Tuscaloosa, AL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tuscaloosa

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Tuscaloosa, Alabama is $111,654 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $68,640 (10th percentile) to $168,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $111,654, a aerospace engineer in Tuscaloosa earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tuscaloosa compare to the Alabama state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Tuscaloosa's median aerospace engineer salary of $111,654 is 1.1% above the Alabama state average of $110,386. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tuscaloosa, AL? ▼
Tuscaloosa has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $111,654 in Tuscaloosa has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Tuscaloosa? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Tuscaloosa require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Aerodynamics, CATIA/CAD, Structural Analysis, MATLAB. The job market is projected to grow 6% nationally over the next decade.