Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia, MO: $111,654 (2026)

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

Columbia offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $111,654, which is $0 above the Missouri state average of $111,654. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Columbia pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Columbia'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 Columbia an attractive option for aerospace engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for aerospace engineers in Columbia 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 126,254, Columbia is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia by Experience

In Columbia, 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

Percentile	Columbia	MO State	National
10th Percentile	$68,640	$68,640	$78,000
25th Percentile	$88,000	$88,000	$100,000
Median (50th)	$111,654	$111,654	$126,880
75th Percentile	$140,800	$140,800	$160,000
90th Percentile	$168,960	$168,960	$192,000

Percentile

Columbia

10th Percentile

$68,640

25th Percentile

$88,000

Median (50th)

$111,654

75th Percentile

$140,800

90th Percentile

$168,960

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Columbia

Education

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

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Columbia, MO? ▼

The median aerospace engineer salary in Columbia, Missouri 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 Columbia? ▼

Based on the median annual salary of $111,654, a aerospace engineer in Columbia earns approximately $54 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.

How does Columbia compare to the Missouri state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼

Columbia's median aerospace engineer salary of $111,654 is 0.0% above the Missouri state average of $111,654. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

What is the cost of living in Columbia, MO? ▼

Columbia has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $111,654 in Columbia has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.

What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Columbia? ▼

Most aerospace engineer positions in Columbia 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.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Columbia, Missouri