Engineering Grand Rapids, MI Pop. 198,917

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan

The median aerospace engineer salary in Grand Rapids, MI is $120,536 per year, which is 5% below the national median and 0.0% above the Michigan state average.

City Median
$120,536
vs State Avg
+$0
vs National
$-6,344
Cost of Living
90%

Aerospace Engineer Pay in Grand Rapids: What to Expect (2026)

Grand Rapids offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $120,536, which is $0 above the Michigan state average of $120,536. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Grand Rapids pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Grand Rapids's cost of living is 90% 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 Grand Rapids spans from $74,100 at the 10th percentile to $182,400 at the 90th percentile — a $108,300 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,000, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $175,750. With a population of 198,917, Grand Rapids is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids by Experience

In Grand Rapids, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $76,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $175,750 per year. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,000
$-4,000 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$121,600
$-6,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$175,750
$-9,250 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Grand Rapids, MI

Percentile Grand Rapids
10th Percentile $74,100
25th Percentile $95,000
Median (50th) $120,536
75th Percentile $152,000
90th Percentile $182,400

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Grand Rapids

Education

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

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Grand Rapids

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Grand Rapids, MI:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Grand Rapids

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Grand Rapids, Michigan is $120,536 per year, which is 5% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $74,100 (10th percentile) to $182,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Grand Rapids? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $120,536, a aerospace engineer in Grand Rapids earns approximately $58 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Grand Rapids compare to the Michigan state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Grand Rapids's median aerospace engineer salary of $120,536 is 0.0% above the Michigan state average of $120,536. The local cost of living index is 90% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Grand Rapids, MI? ▼
Grand Rapids has a cost of living index of 90% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $120,536 in Grand Rapids has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Grand Rapids? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Grand Rapids 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.