Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Aerospace Engineers in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $161,280. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $141,460, reflecting the region's robust aerospace industry and specialized demand for these highly skilled professionals. The concentration of major aerospace players and related supply chains in this area directly influences the elevated compensation.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $161,280 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,290.
- Outlook: The Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue area presents a robust job market for Aerospace Engineers, evidenced by a substantial local workforce of 5,350 professionals. The exceptionally high Location Quotient of 5.79 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average, signaling strong and sustained demand within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earns+14.0%above the national average.
$77.5
$3,102
$13,440
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Aerospace Engineers in a thriving hub like Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue have experienced consistent growth over the past four years. This upward trend is typically driven by increasing industry demand, technological advancements, and the competitive landscape for specialized talent in this high-demand field.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions will naturally fall at the lower end of the salary spectrum, while senior engineers with extensive project leadership and specialized expertise can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in compensation clearly signify the career progression and increased value brought by accumulated experience and advanced skills.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $109,560 | $52.7 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $120,960 | $58.2 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $174,130 | $83.7 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $201,600 | $96.9 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $218,290 | $104.9 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$161,280
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$161,280
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $161,280 in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA, aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the absolute salary is high, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, indicating that the higher wages are balanced by the local cost of living.
Job Market Context
5,350
Total Jobs
2.569
Per 1K Jobs
5.79
Location Quotient
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA has 5.8x the national concentration of Aerospace Engineers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
With a Location Quotient of 5.79, the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area is exceptionally concentrated with Aerospace Engineers relative to the rest of the United States. This high quotient suggests a mature and specialized job market where demand is significantly higher than the national average, making it a prime location for those in this profession.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area Aerospace Engineers Salary | $144,000↓ 11% | 42 mi |
Comparing salaries near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is $161,280. This typically ranges from $109,560 for entry-level positions to $218,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 14.0% higher than the national median of $141,460.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
Yes, Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is a highly lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers.The average salary of $161,280 is substantially higher than the national average, and the extremely high Location Quotient of 5.79 indicates a very strong demand for these professionals in the region.
Is Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Eastern Washington nonmetropolitan area ($144,000) and others.
How does the Seattle salary compare to the national average?
Aerospace Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA earn an average of $161,280 annually, which is approximately $19,820 more than the national average of $141,460.
What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA?
The region has a Location Quotient of 5.79, meaning there are nearly six times as many Aerospace Engineers per worker compared to the national average, indicating a high concentration of talent and opportunity.
Does the cost of living affect the value of the Seattle salary?
The Cost of Living Index in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA is 100, which is the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $161,280 offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
How many Aerospace Engineers work in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area?
There are approximately 5,350 Aerospace Engineers employed within the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA metropolitan area, contributing to its significant presence in the aerospace sector.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,350 employees in the Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA area with a job density of 2.569 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA