Engineering Philadelphia, PA Pop. 1,603,797

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

The median aerospace engineer salary in Philadelphia, PA is $129,418 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median and 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average.

City Median
$129,418
vs State Avg
+$7,613
vs National
+$2,538
Cost of Living
102%

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

Philadelphia offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $129,418, which is $7,613 above the Pennsylvania state average of $121,805. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Philadelphia pays above average for this role.

Philadelphia's cost of living is 102% 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 Philadelphia spans from $79,560 at the 10th percentile to $195,840 at the 90th percentile — a $116,280 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $81,600, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $188,700. As a major metro area with a population of 1,603,797, Philadelphia typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Philadelphia by Experience

In Philadelphia, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $81,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $188,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$81,600
+$1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$130,560
+$2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$188,700
+$3,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Philadelphia, PA

Percentile Philadelphia
10th Percentile $79,560
25th Percentile $102,000
Median (50th) $129,418
75th Percentile $163,200
90th Percentile $195,840

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Pennsylvania Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Philadelphia

Education

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

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Philadelphia

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Philadelphia, PA:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Philadelphia

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is $129,418 per year, which is 2.0% above the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $79,560 (10th percentile) to $195,840 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Philadelphia? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $129,418, a aerospace engineer in Philadelphia earns approximately $62 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Philadelphia compare to the Pennsylvania state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Philadelphia's median aerospace engineer salary of $129,418 is 6.3% above the Pennsylvania state average of $121,805. The local cost of living index is 102% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Philadelphia, PA? ▼
Philadelphia has a cost of living index of 102% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $129,418 in Philadelphia has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Philadelphia? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Philadelphia 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.