Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Aerospace Engineers in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area earn an impressive average annual salary of $137,050. This figure is slightly below the national average of $141,460, suggesting a localized market dynamic that influences compensation. Factors such as regional industry demand and the specific needs of local aerospace employers likely contribute to this pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $137,050 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $189,470.
- Outlook: The local aerospace engineering job market in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC appears robust, evidenced by a total workforce of 940 professionals. The high Location Quotient of 2.81 significantly surpasses the national average, indicating a strong concentration of these specialized roles within the region. This suggests a healthy demand for aerospace engineering talent that outpaces the national distribution.
Salary Overview
The average Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC earns-3.1%below the national average.
$65.9
$2,636
$11,421
Aerospace Engineers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC have experienced growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic expansion, increased defense spending, and advancements in aerospace technology typically drive up demand and, consequently, compensation for skilled professionals in this field.
Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in this region, as elsewhere, is strongly tied to experience and expertise. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while senior engineers with extensive project management and design experience can expect significantly higher compensation. The percentile gaps in salary distribution reflect this career trajectory, with top earners often possessing specialized skills and a proven track record.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase. | 10% (Entry) | $88,170 | $42.4 |
| Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently. | 25% (Junior) | $102,788 | $49.4 |
| Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring. | 50% (Median) | $132,160 | $63.5 |
| Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact. | 75% (Senior) | $171,313 | $82.4 |
| Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation. | 90% (Expert) | $189,470 | $91.1 |
Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$137,050
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$137,050
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $137,050 in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an Aerospace Engineer's salary in this area is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living regions.
Job Market Context
940
Total Jobs
1.247
Per 1K Jobs
2.81
Location Quotient
Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC has 2.8x 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 2.81, the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC metropolitan area demonstrates a significantly higher concentration of Aerospace Engineers compared to the national average. This indicates a specialized and potentially competitive job market where employers actively seek out this talent, suggesting ample opportunities for skilled professionals within the region's aerospace sector.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers
| City | Salary | Dist. |
|---|---|---|
| Richmond, VA Aerospace Engineers Salary | $127,430↓ 7% | 96 mi |
Comparing salaries near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC
Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $137,050. This typically ranges from $88,170 for entry-level positions to $189,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 3.1% lower than the national median of $141,460.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineers?
Yes, it offers a competitive salary and strong job concentration.Aerospace Engineers in this region earn $137,050 annually, which is comparable to the national average cost of living. The high location quotient of 2.81 signifies a robust job market with a strong demand for these professionals.
Is Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Richmond, VA ($127,430) and others.
How does the Virginia Beach Aerospace Engineer salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is $137,050, which is slightly lower than the national average of $141,460.
What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach?
The region has a high concentration of Aerospace Engineers, indicated by a Location Quotient of 2.81, meaning there are nearly three times as many Aerospace Engineers per worker as the national average.
How does the cost of living affect the Aerospace Engineer salary in Virginia Beach?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC is 100, which is the national average. This means the $137,050 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.
What does the number of jobs per 1,000 workers suggest for Aerospace Engineers in Virginia Beach?
With 1.247 jobs per 1,000 workers, the data suggests a notable presence and demand for Aerospace Engineers within the local workforce, reinforcing the strong concentration indicated by the location quotient.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 940 employees in the Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC area with a job density of 1.247 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 Virginia Beach-Chesapeake-Norfolk, VA-NC