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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Aerospace Engineers in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $116,930. This figure is notably below the national average of $141,460, reflecting regional economic factors and the specific demand dynamics within this nonmetropolitan locale. The specialized nature of aerospace engineering often leads to salary variations based on local industry concentration and the cost of doing business.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $116,930 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.7% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $166,020.
  • Outlook: The aerospace engineering job market in South Central Tennessee, while modest in size with a local workforce of 290 professionals, exhibits a significant concentration. The Location Quotient of 5.82 indicates that aerospace engineers are far more prevalent in this region than the national average, suggesting a specialized and potentially robust local demand for these skills, despite the smaller overall workforce.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$116,930

The average Aerospace Engineers in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-17.3%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$56.2

Weekly

$2,249

Monthly

$9,744

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

The salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in South Central Tennessee typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions will command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design expertise can expect to earn significantly more. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential as professionals gain experience and specialize.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$79,390$38.2
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$87,698$42.2
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$114,940$55.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$146,163$70.3
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$166,020$79.8

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$116,930

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$116,930

Adjusted for COL (100)

With an average annual salary of $116,930 and a Cost of Living Index of 100, Aerospace Engineers in South Central Tennessee experience a salary that aligns precisely with the national average cost of living. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment.

Job Market Context

290

Total Jobs

2.585

Per 1K Jobs

5.82

Location Quotient

Major Hub

South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area 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.

The Location Quotient of 5.82 for Aerospace Engineers in South Central Tennessee is exceptionally high, indicating a strong concentration of these professionals relative to the national average. This suggests a specialized market where demand may outstrip supply, potentially leading to competitive compensation for skilled individuals, despite the lower overall national salary comparison.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers

Comparing salaries near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $116,930. This typically ranges from $79,390 for entry-level positions to $166,020 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 17.3% lower than the national median of $141,460.

Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?

Yes, with a caveat.While the average salary of $116,930 is below the national average, the high Location Quotient of 5.82 suggests strong local demand. Coupled with a national average cost of living, the salary offers equivalent purchasing power to the national average.

Is South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($131,690) and Huntsville, AL.

How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?

The local workforce of 290 is relatively small, but the high concentration (LQ of 5.82) implies specialized demand, suggesting that while opportunities might be fewer in absolute numbers, they are significant within the regional context.

What is the significance of the Location Quotient?

A Location Quotient of 5.82 means that aerospace engineering jobs are nearly six times more concentrated in South Central Tennessee than the national average, indicating a specialized industry presence and potentially higher demand for skilled professionals.

How does the Cost of Living Index impact the salary?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 signifies that the cost of living in South Central Tennessee is exactly average compared to the rest of the nation. Therefore, the $116,930 salary provides purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

Are there opportunities for career growth for Aerospace Engineers in this area?

Yes, the significant concentration and the typical salary scaling with experience suggest that career growth and increased earning potential are available for dedicated Aerospace Engineers in this region.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 290 employees in the South Central Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.585 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.