Engineering Tucson, AZ Pop. 542,629

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tucson, Arizona

The median aerospace engineer salary in Tucson, AZ is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median and 4.1% below the Arizona state average.

City Median
$117,998
vs State Avg
$-5,076
vs National
$-8,882
Cost of Living
93%

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

Tucson offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $117,998, which is $5,076 below the Arizona state average of $123,074. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Tucson pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Tucson's cost of living is 93% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Tucson spans from $72,540 at the 10th percentile to $178,560 at the 90th percentile — a $106,020 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $74,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $172,050. As a major metro area with a population of 542,629, Tucson typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tucson by Experience

In Tucson, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $74,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $172,050 per year. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$74,400
$-5,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$119,040
$-8,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$172,050
$-12,950 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Tucson, AZ

Percentile Tucson
10th Percentile $72,540
25th Percentile $93,000
Median (50th) $117,998
75th Percentile $148,800
90th Percentile $178,560

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Arizona Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Tucson

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Tucson and the surrounding Arizona 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 Tucson may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Tucson

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Tucson, AZ:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Tucson

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Tucson, AZ? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Tucson, Arizona is $117,998 per year, which is 7% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $72,540 (10th percentile) to $178,560 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Tucson? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $117,998, a aerospace engineer in Tucson earns approximately $57 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Tucson compare to the Arizona state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Tucson's median aerospace engineer salary of $117,998 is 4.1% below the Arizona state average of $123,074. The local cost of living index is 93% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Tucson, AZ? ▼
Tucson has a cost of living index of 93% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $117,998 in Tucson has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Tucson? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Tucson 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.