Engineering Chesapeake, VA Pop. 249,422

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chesapeake, Virginia

The median aerospace engineer salary in Chesapeake, VA is $124,342 per year, which is 2% below the national median and 5.8% below the Virginia state average.

City Median
$124,342
vs State Avg
$-7,613
vs National
$-2,538
Cost of Living
98%

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

Chesapeake offers a median aerospace engineer salary of $124,342, which is $7,613 below the Virginia state average of $131,955. Compared to the national median of $126,880, Chesapeake pays below the national benchmark for this role.

Chesapeake's cost of living is 98% 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 Chesapeake spans from $76,440 at the 10th percentile to $188,160 at the 90th percentile — a $111,720 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $78,400, while senior aerospace engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $181,300. With a population of 249,422, Chesapeake is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chesapeake by Experience

In Chesapeake, an entry-level aerospace engineer earns around $78,400, while experienced professionals earn up to $181,300 per year. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$78,400
$-1,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$125,440
$-2,560 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$181,300
$-3,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chesapeake, VA

Percentile Chesapeake
10th Percentile $76,440
25th Percentile $98,000
Median (50th) $124,342
75th Percentile $156,800
90th Percentile $188,160

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Other Virginia Cities

How to Become a Aerospace Engineer in Chesapeake

Education

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

Find Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Chesapeake

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Frequently Asked Questions: Aerospace Engineer Salary in Chesapeake

How much does a Aerospace Engineer make in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
The median aerospace engineer salary in Chesapeake, Virginia is $124,342 per year, which is 2% below the national median of $126,880. Salaries range from $76,440 (10th percentile) to $188,160 (90th percentile).
How much does a Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Chesapeake? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $124,342, a aerospace engineer in Chesapeake earns approximately $60 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chesapeake compare to the Virginia state average for aerospace engineer pay? ▼
Chesapeake's median aerospace engineer salary of $124,342 is 5.8% below the Virginia state average of $131,955. The local cost of living index is 98% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chesapeake, VA? ▼
Chesapeake has a cost of living index of 98% compared to the national average. This means a aerospace engineer salary of $124,342 in Chesapeake has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a aerospace engineer in Chesapeake? ▼
Most aerospace engineer positions in Chesapeake 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.