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Average Aerospace Engineers Salary in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Aerospace Engineers in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area command an impressive average annual salary of $160,510. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $141,460, reflecting the region's robust demand for specialized engineering talent. The concentration of defense contractors, government agencies, and aerospace research institutions in this area directly contributes to the elevated compensation packages offered to these professionals.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $160,510 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $221,890.
  • Outlook: The local job market for Aerospace Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV appears robust, with a total workforce of 2,750 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.99 indicates a concentration nearly double the national average, suggesting a strong and established presence of aerospace-related industries and a consistent demand for skilled engineers within this specific geographic area.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$160,510

The average Aerospace Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV earns+13.5%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$77.2

Weekly

$3,087

Monthly

$13,376

Aerospace Engineers Salary Distribution in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Salary progression for Aerospace Engineers in this region is strongly tied to experience. Entry-level positions typically start at lower percentiles, while senior engineers with extensive project leadership and specialized expertise can command salaries in the upper percentiles. The significant gap between entry-level and senior-level compensation underscores the value placed on accumulated knowledge and proven track records within the aerospace sector.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
Junior / AssociateEntry level. Focus on learning core skills & codebase.10% (Entry)$100,370$48.3
Engineer IProficient contributor. Handles tasks independently.25% (Junior)$120,383$57.9
Senior EngineerSystem design, complex problem solving, mentoring.50% (Median)$157,980$76
Lead / StaffTechnical strategy, architecture, cross-team impact.75% (Senior)$200,638$96.5
Principal / ArchitectIndustry expert. Driving technical vision & innovation.90% (Expert)$221,890$106.7

Detailed Aerospace Engineers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$160,510

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$160,510

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $160,510 in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area is particularly attractive when considered against the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is precisely the national average. This means that the higher earnings translate directly into purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making the region financially appealing for Aerospace Engineers.

Job Market Context

2,750

Total Jobs

0.883

Per 1K Jobs

1.99

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV has 2.0x 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 1.99, the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area is a significantly concentrated hub for Aerospace Engineers, nearly twice as dense as the national average. This high concentration suggests a competitive yet abundant job market, where specialized skills are highly valued and readily sought after by numerous employers within the sector.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Aerospace Engineers

CitySalaryDist.
Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD Aerospace Engineers Salary$162,410↑ 1%35 mi
Lexington Park, MD Aerospace Engineers Salary$141,020↓ 12%55 mi

Comparing salaries near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Hiring Aerospace Engineerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Aerospace Engineers make in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

The median annual salary for a Aerospace Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $160,510. This typically ranges from $100,370 for entry-level positions to $221,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 13.5% higher than the national median of $141,460.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a lucrative place for Aerospace Engineerss?

Yes, it is a highly lucrative area for Aerospace Engineers.Aerospace Engineers in this region earn an average of $160,510, significantly above the national average, and the cost of living is at the national average, making their earnings highly valuable.

Is Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV a good place to live for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV?

Some top paying nearby cities include Baltimore-Columbia-Towson, MD ($162,410) and Lexington Park, MD.

How does the local salary compare to the national average?

The average annual salary for Aerospace Engineers in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV is $160,510, which is $19,050 higher than the national average of $141,460.

What is the concentration of Aerospace Engineers in this area?

The Location Quotient for Aerospace Engineers in this region is 1.99, indicating that the concentration of these professionals is nearly double the national average.

What is the cost of living in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV for Aerospace Engineers?

The Cost of Living Index for this metropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the rest of the country.

How many Aerospace Engineers work in this region?

There are approximately 2,750 Aerospace Engineers employed within the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV metropolitan area.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,750 employees in the Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV area with a job density of 0.883 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.

Top Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV

Semantic Salary Analysis for Aerospace Engineers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV