Engineering Pennsylvania (PA) Rank #23 of 50

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

The median aerospace engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $121,805 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $126,880.

Median Salary
$121,805
vs National
$-5,075
State Rank
#23 of 50
Cost of Living
96%

Aerospace Engineer Salary Overview in Pennsylvania (2026)

Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer compensation. Pennsylvania falls in the middle of the pack for aerospace engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $121,805 per year, aerospace engineers in Pennsylvania earn $5,075 less than the national median of $126,880.

Pennsylvania's cost of living is near the national average at 96%, meaning aerospace engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Pennsylvania is significant: aerospace engineers at the 10th percentile earn $74,880, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $184,320 — a $109,440 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Pennsylvania for this role is Philadelphia, where the median reaches $129,418.

Nationally, aerospace engineer employment is projected to grow 6% over the next decade (faster than average). This steady growth indicates stable demand for aerospace engineers across the country.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania by Experience

In Pennsylvania, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $76,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $177,600 per year. The cost of living index in Pennsylvania is 96% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$76,800
$-3,200 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$122,880
$-5,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$177,600
$-7,400 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Pennsylvania

Percentile PA Salary
10th Percentile $74,880
25th Percentile $96,000
Median (50th) $121,805
75th Percentile $153,600
90th Percentile $184,320

Aerospace Engineer Salary by City in Pennsylvania

The largest employment areas for aerospace engineers in Pennsylvania include Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Allentown, and Reading. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Pennsylvania

Education

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

Key Skills

AerodynamicsCATIA/CADStructural AnalysisMATLABPropulsion SystemsFEA

Job Outlook in Pennsylvania

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Pennsylvania

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Pennsylvania? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Pennsylvania is $121,805 per year, which is 4% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $74,880 (10th percentile) to $184,320 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Pennsylvania? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,805, a aerospace engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Pennsylvania a good state for aerospace engineers? ▼
Pennsylvania ranks #23 out of 50 states for aerospace engineer pay. The cost of living index is 96% of the national average. Entry-level aerospace engineers earn $76,800, while senior professionals earn $177,600.
How does Pennsylvania compare to other states for aerospace engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for aerospace engineers is Hawaii at $215,696. Pennsylvania's median of $121,805 ranks #23 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Nevada ($123,074) and Utah ($123,074).
What is the entry-level aerospace engineer salary in Pennsylvania? ▼
An entry-level aerospace engineer in Pennsylvania earns approximately $76,800 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $122,880. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $177,600.
What city in Pennsylvania pays aerospace engineers the most? ▼
Philadelphia is the highest paying city in Pennsylvania for aerospace engineers, with a median salary of $129,418. Other cities include Pittsburgh and Allentown.