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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Washington

Aerospace Engineers in Washington State command an impressive average annual salary of $159,790, significantly surpassing the national average of $141,460. This elevated compensation is driven by Washington's robust aerospace industry, a hub for major aerospace corporations and extensive research and development activities, creating a high demand for specialized engineering talent.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $159,790 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 21.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $218,290.
  • Outlook: The aerospace engineering job market in Washington State appears robust, supported by a substantial local workforce of 5,700 professionals. The Location Quotient of 3.63 indicates a significantly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting strong and sustained demand for aerospace engineering expertise within the state.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$159,790

The average Aerospace Engineers in Washington earns+13.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$76.8

Weekly

$3,073

Monthly

$13,316

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington

Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in Washington State typically scales with experience. Entry-level positions may start lower, but as engineers gain experience and specialize, their earning potential increases significantly, reaching higher percentiles for senior and lead roles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior salaries reflects the value placed on accumulated knowledge and advanced skill sets in this field.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$107,660$51.8
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$119,843$57.6
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$158,600$76.3
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$199,738$96
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$218,290$104.9

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$159,790

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$138,827

Adjusted for COL (115.1)

While the nominal average salary of $159,790 is substantial, the local Cost of Living Index of 115.1 (meaning it's 15.1% higher than the national average) suggests that a significant portion of this higher salary is absorbed by increased living expenses. Nonetheless, the salary is likely sufficient to maintain a strong purchasing power, especially for experienced professionals.

Job Market Context

5,700

Total Jobs

1.609

Per 1K Jobs

3.63

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington has 3.6x 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.

Washington State's Location Quotient of 3.63 for Aerospace Engineers signifies a highly concentrated market, indicating that the state is a national leader in employing these professionals relative to its overall workforce. This abundance of roles suggests a competitive but opportunity-rich environment for aerospace engineers, with numerous specialized firms actively seeking talent.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA Aerospace Engineers Salary$161,280↑ 1%42 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Washington?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Washington is $159,790. This typically ranges from $107,660 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 Washington is 13.0% higher than the national median of $141,460.

Is Washington a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineerss?

Yes, Washington is a highly lucrative state for Aerospace Engineers.The average salary of $159,790 significantly exceeds the national average, and the high concentration of aerospace jobs (LQ of 3.63) points to strong demand and competitive compensation.

Is Washington a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington is 115.1. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington?

Some top paying nearby cities include Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA ($161,280) and others.

What is the average salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Washington?

The average annual salary for an Aerospace Engineer in Washington State is $159,790, which is considerably higher than the national average.

How does Washington's cost of living affect the salary?

With a Cost of Living Index of 115.1, Washington is more expensive than the national average. While the high salary helps offset this, a portion of the increased earnings is allocated to higher living costs.

Is there high demand for Aerospace Engineers in Washington?

Yes, the Location Quotient of 3.63 indicates a significantly higher concentration of Aerospace Engineers in Washington compared to the national average, suggesting robust demand.

How many Aerospace Engineers work in Washington?

There are approximately 5,700 Aerospace Engineers employed in Washington State, representing 1.609 jobs per 1,000 workers.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 5,700 employees in the Washington area with a job density of 1.609 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington