Engineering California (CA) Rank #2 of 50

Aerospace Engineer Salary in California

The median aerospace engineer salary in California is $175,094 per year, which is 38.0% above the national median of $126,880.

Median Salary
$175,094
vs National
+$48,214
State Rank
#2 of 50
Cost of Living
138%

Aerospace Engineer Salary in California by Experience

In California, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $110,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $255,300 per year. The cost of living index in California is 138% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$110,400
+$30,400 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$176,640
+$48,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$255,300
+$70,300 vs national

Salary Percentiles in California

Percentile CA Salary
10th Percentile $107,640
25th Percentile $138,000
Median (50th) $175,094
75th Percentile $220,800
90th Percentile $264,960

Aerospace Engineer Salary by City in California

The largest employment areas for aerospace engineers in California include Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and San Jose. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in California

Education

Most aerospace engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. California has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook in California

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). California's demand may vary based on local industry trends.