verified BLS-Verified Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2025 release

Aerospace Engineer Salary in California

Median Annual in California
$157,620/yr
Median Hourly Wage
$75.78/hr
▲ 17% above U.S. median

Salary Distribution in California

groups Employed in CA
9,170
public U.S. Median
$134,960
savings Real pay (cost-adjusted)
$142,359 #17 of 41

Aerospace Engineer pay in California, explained

Aerospace engineers in California earn a median of $157,620 per year ($75.78 per hour), which is 17% above the national median of $134,960. Entry-level workers earn around $104,370, while the most experienced aerospace engineers reach about $220,670. Pay varies by employer, setting, and metro area within California.

Is $157,620 good pay in California?

Adjusted for California's cost of living (which runs 111% of the U.S. average), that $157,620 is worth about $142,359 in national buying power — ranking California #17 for real pay (vs #3 on the sticker number).

See the full Aerospace Engineer Real Pay Index arrow_forward

Aerospace Engineer pay by experience in California

Entry level (10th pct)
$104,370
$50.18/hr
Median
Mid-career (50th pct)
$157,620
$75.78/hr
Experienced (90th pct)
$220,670
$106.09/hr

Aerospace Engineer pay in neighboring states

StateMedian / yrReal payvs CA
California (here) $157,620 $142,359
Oregon $124,630 $120,577 +$32,990
Arizona $123,170 $122,342 +$34,450
Nevada $96,730 $96,750 +$60,890

Aerospace Engineer in California: FAQ

How much do aerospace engineers make in California?

Aerospace engineers in California earn a median of $157,620 per year ($75.78 per hour), compared with $134,960 nationally.

Does California pay aerospace engineers well?

At $157,620, California pays 17% above the national median for aerospace engineers. An estimated 9,170 work in the state.

Aerospace Engineer salary in other states

All 41 states ranked arrow_forward

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