Aerospace engineers
Salary, job outlook, AI risk & career information
Median Salary
$134,830
~$65/hr · ~$11,236/mo
US Jobs
72K
Faster than average
AI & Automation Risk
7/10
High Risk
AI & Automation Risk
High Risk 7/10
Aerospace engineering is a high-level knowledge occupation where core tasks like aerodynamic modeling, structural analysis, and propulsion design are increasingly performed using digital simulation and AI-driven optimization tools. While the role requires critical human judgment for safety, regulatory compliance, and physical inspection of prototypes, the heavy reliance on computer-aided design (CAD) and complex data analysis makes it highly susceptible to AI-driven productivity gains and task automation.
Salary by City — What You Actually Take Home
Real purchasing power = salary adjusted for cost of living. Higher = more money in your pocket.
| City | Local Salary | Cost of Living | Real Purchasing Power |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omaha, NE-IABEST VALUE | $160,630 | Below avg (92.5) | $173,701 |
| Colorado Springs, CO | $170,080 | Average (98.1) | $173,351 |
| Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD | $161,580 | Above avg (103.2) | $156,594 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $174,130 | Above avg (112.7) | $154,465 |
| Cleveland, OH | $140,400 | Below avg (92.9) | $151,116 |
| Albuquerque, NM | $139,610 | Below avg (93.6) | $149,113 |
| Kingsport-Bristol, TN-VA | $126,050 | Below avg (85.0) | $148,315 |
| Huntsville, AL | $139,110 | Below avg (93.8) | $148,291 |
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $167,340 | Above avg (113.1) | $148,011 |
| Las Cruces, NM | $133,020 | Below avg (89.9) | $147,968 |
| Bridgeport-Stamford-Danbury, CT Metropolitan Statistical Area | $158,170 | Above avg (107.0) | $147,807 |
| Memphis, TN-MS-AR | $135,350 | Below avg (91.9) | $147,204 |
| Cincinnati, OH-KY-IN | $137,420 | Below avg (94.2) | $145,844 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $157,980 | Above avg (109.5) | $144,217 |
| Waco, TX | $131,270 | Below avg (91.1) | $144,039 |
Cost of Living Index: 100 = US national average. Below 100 = cheaper. Above 100 = more expensive.
Education & Requirements
Education Required
Bachelor's degree
10-Year Growth
+6% (Faster than average)
Hourly Rate
~$65/hr
Monthly Income
~$11,236/mo
Related Careers
Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OOH (2024)