Engineering Houston, TX Pop. 2,304,580

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Houston, Texas

The median aerospace engineer salary in Houston, TX is $121,805 per year, which is 4% below the national median and 4.3% above the Texas state average.

City Median
$121,805
vs State Avg
+$5,075
vs National
$-5,075
Cost of Living
96%

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

Houston offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $121,805, which is $5,075 above the Texas state average of $116,730. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Houston pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Houston's cost of living is 96% 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 Houston spans from $74,880 at the 10th percentile to $184,320 at the 90th percentile — a $109,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $76,800, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $177,600. As a major metro area with a population of 2,304,580, Houston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Houston by Experience

In Houston, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $76,800, while experienced professionals earn up to $177,600 per year. The local cost of living index 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

Salary Percentiles in Houston, TX

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

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Texas Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Houston

Education

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

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Houston

Browse open aerospace engineer positions in Houston, TX:

Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Houston

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Houston, TX? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Houston, Texas 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 Houston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $121,805, a aerospace engineer in Houston earns approximately $59 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Houston compare to the Texas state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Houston's median aerospace engineer salary of $121,805 is 4.3% above the Texas state average of $116,730. The local cost of living index is 96% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Houston, TX? ▼
Houston has a cost of living index of 96% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $121,805 in Houston has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Houston? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Houston 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.