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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Tucson, AZ

Aerospace Engineers in Tucson, Arizona, command an average annual salary of $120,410. This figure is notably below the national average of $141,460, suggesting that while Tucson offers a strong presence in the aerospace sector, compensation may be influenced by local market dynamics and industry specialization within the region. The specific demands and economic factors of the Tucson area contribute to this localized pay scale.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $120,410 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 15.4% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $182,010.
  • Outlook: Tucson, AZ presents a robust employment landscape for Aerospace Engineers, evidenced by a significant concentration (Location Quotient of 2.93) and a dedicated local workforce of 500 professionals. This high concentration indicates a strong demand and a specialized job market that favors experienced engineers, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for talent within this sector in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$120,410

The average Aerospace Engineers in Tucson, AZ earns-14.9%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$57.9

Weekly

$2,316

Monthly

$10,034

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Tucson, AZ

The salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Tucson, AZ, typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start considerably lower than the average, while senior engineers with specialized skills and extensive project leadership experience can command salaries well above the $120,410 average. The percentile gaps in salary distribution highlight clear opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$86,920$41.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$90,308$43.4
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$111,490$53.6
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$150,513$72.4
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$182,010$87.5

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$120,410

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$120,410

Adjusted for COL (100)

For Aerospace Engineers considering a move to Tucson, AZ, the average salary of $120,410 aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living (Index of 100). This means that the purchasing power of an engineer's salary in Tucson is equivalent to that of an engineer earning the national average elsewhere. This parity in cost of living suggests that the nominal salary offers a comparable standard of living to the national average.

Job Market Context

500

Total Jobs

1.301

Per 1K Jobs

2.93

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Tucson, AZ has 2.9x 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.

Tucson's Location Quotient of 2.93 signifies a highly concentrated aerospace engineering job market, indicating that the area employs nearly three times the national average of these professionals relative to its overall workforce. This suggests a specialized and competitive environment where employers actively seek talent, potentially leading to greater opportunities for those with relevant skills and experience.

Nearby Job Markets

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Tucson, AZ?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Tucson, AZ is $120,410. This typically ranges from $86,920 for entry-level positions to $182,010 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Tucson, AZ is 14.9% lower than the national median of $141,460.

Is Tucson, AZ a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?

Yes, with a caveat regarding national averages.Tucson, AZ offers a strong concentration of aerospace jobs and a cost of living that matches the national average, making the $120,410 salary competitive locally. However, the average salary is below the national benchmark, indicating potential for higher earnings in other regions.

Is Tucson, AZ a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Tucson, AZ is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Tucson, AZ?

The average annual salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Tucson, AZ is $120,410.

How does Tucson's cost of living compare to the national average?

Tucson's cost of living index is 100, which is exactly the national average. This means your salary in Tucson has the same purchasing power as it would nationally.

Is there high demand for Aerospace Engineers in Tucson, AZ?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 2.93 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Tucson compared to the national average, suggesting strong local demand.

How many Aerospace Engineers work in Tucson, AZ?

There are approximately 500 Aerospace Engineers employed in the Tucson, AZ workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 500 employees in the Tucson, AZ area with a job density of 1.301 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.