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Aerospace Engineers Salary in California

Last updated: 2025 BLS data · Page refreshed:

How much do Aerospace Engineers make in California?

Last updated: 2025 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics

$157,620
Median Annual Salary
▲ +9.6% vs 2024
$159,960
Mean Salary
$157,620
Median Salary
$75.78
Hourly Rate
9,170 people work as Aerospace Engineers in California

Aerospace Engineers salary by percentile in California

BLS-reported salary distribution — from entry-level (10th percentile) to top earners (90th percentile).

Aerospace Engineers salary in California — 2025 BLS percentilesHorizontal bars showing 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th and 90th percentile annual salaries for Aerospace Engineers in California.10thBottom 10% earn less than $104,370$104,37025th25% earn less than $129,010$129,010MedianHalf earn more than $157,620$157,62075th75% earn less than $193,060$193,06090thTop 10% earn more than $220,670$220,670

Aerospace Engineers in California earn a median salary of $157,620 per year ($13,135/month). This is 21.1% above the national average of $130,131. California ranks #3 out of 41 states for Aerospace Engineers pay. Approximately 9,170 people work in this occupation across California. Salaries increased by 9.6% compared to 2024.

About This Job: Aerospace Engineers

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

Top Skills

Critical Thinking
4.12
Reading Comprehension
4.0
Science
4.0
Active Listening
3.88
Writing
3.88

Key Knowledge Areas

Engineering and Technology
4.76
Mathematics
4.25
Design
4.13
Physics
4.03
Computers and Electronics
3.85
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree (59.0% of workers)

Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Salary Range: Aerospace Engineers in California

Salaries for Aerospace Engineers in California range from $104,370 at the 10th percentile (entry level) to $220,670 at the 90th percentile (experienced). The middle 50% earn between $129,010 and $193,060.

Median $157,620
P10: $104,370 P25: $129,010 P75: $193,060 P90: $220,670
10th
$104,370
25th
$129,010
Median
$157,620
75th
$193,060
90th
$220,670
Percentile Annual Salary Hourly Rate Monthly
10th Percentile (Entry Level) $104,370 $50.18 $8,697
25th Percentile $129,010 $62.02 $10,750
Median (50th) $157,620 $75.78 $13,135
75th Percentile $193,060 $92.82 $16,088
90th Percentile (Experienced) $220,670 $106.09 $18,389

Note: The mean (average) salary of $159,960 differs from the median because salary distributions are typically skewed by high earners.

📊 How Does This Compare?

#3
California ranks #3 of 41 states
$130,131
National avg. for Aerospace Engineers
+21.1%
vs. national average
Above Average

What does this salary really buy? See Aerospace Engineers salary in California adjusted for cost of living →

How much do you actually take home? See Aerospace Engineers take-home pay in California after taxes →

Explore Aerospace Engineers Data in California

Aerospace Engineers Salary by State

Compare Aerospace Engineers pay across states — sorted by highest median salary.

View all 50 states →

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do Aerospace Engineers make in California?
The median annual salary for Aerospace Engineers in California is $157,620 as of 2025. The average (mean) salary is $159,960.
What is the salary range for a Aerospace Engineers in California?
Salaries for Aerospace Engineers in California range from $104,370 at the 10th percentile to $220,670 at the 90th percentile. The middle 50% earn between $129,010 and $193,060.
What is the starting salary for a Aerospace Engineers in California?
Entry-level Aerospace Engineers positions in California typically start around $104,370 (10th percentile). With some experience, salaries rise to $129,010 (25th percentile).
How many people work as Aerospace Engineers in California?
According to 2025 BLS data, approximately 9,170 people are employed as Aerospace Engineers in California.
What is the hourly rate for a Aerospace Engineers in California?
Based on a standard 2,080-hour work year, the median hourly rate for a Aerospace Engineers in California is approximately $75.78 per hour.

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Data Source & Methodology

Salary data is sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, 2025 estimates. The OEWS survey covers approximately 1.1 million establishments nationwide.

Annual salaries are calculated based on a standard 2,080-hour work year. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, education, employer, and local market conditions. Figures do not include benefits, bonuses, or overtime pay.

Our Methodology · Data Sources · Source: BLS OEWS

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