Aerospace Engineers Salary in California
Aerospace Engineers in California earn a median annual wage of $157,620 —16.8% above the national median of $134,960. That ranks CA #3 of 41 covered states and territories for this occupation.
Wage distribution
How earnings are spread across workers in this occupation, from the 10th to the 90th percentile.
Employment is 1.16× as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Highest-paying states for aerospace engineers
All 41 states ranked by median annual wage. California is highlighted.
| # | State | Median annual | Median hourly | Employment | Location quotient |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Minnesota | $159,060 | $76.47 | 140 | 0.11 |
| 2 | Washington | $158,370 | $76.14 | 5,760 | 3.73 |
| 3 | California | $157,620 | $75.78 | 9,170 | 1.16 |
| 4 | District of Columbia | $157,600 | $75.77 | 290 | 0.96 |
| 5 | Maryland | $156,750 | $75.36 | 3,180 | 2.64 |
| 6 | Colorado | $156,190 | $75.09 | 4,070 | 3.25 |
| 7 | Massachusetts | $149,470 | $71.86 | 990 | 0.63 |
| 8 | Vermont | $144,400 | $69.42 | 100 | 0.74 |
| 9 | Virginia | $143,210 | $68.85 | 2,540 | 1.42 |
| 10 | Georgia | $140,460 | $67.53 | 2,230 | 1.05 |
Related occupations in California
Occupations in the same job family, compared within California.
| Occupation | California median | U.S. median |
|---|---|---|
| Civil Engineers | $122,500 | $100,840 |
| Industrial Engineers | $124,600 | $102,440 |
| Mechanical Engineers | $130,900 | $104,110 |
| Electrical Engineers | $144,040 | $120,630 |
| Engineers, All Other | $130,850 | $122,930 |
| Architects, Except Landscape and Naval | $108,540 | $99,280 |
Frequently asked questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in California?
The median annual wage for aerospace engineers in California is $157,620, or $75.78 per hour. That is 16.8% above the national median of $134,960.
What is the entry-level aerospace engineers salary in California?
Workers at the 10th percentile earn $104,370 per year ($50.18/hour). The 25th percentile is $129,010.
How many people work as aerospace engineers in California?
About 9,170 people work in this occupation in California, or 0.5 per 1,000 jobs statewide.
Is California a good state for aerospace engineers?
California ranks #3 of 41 states by median wage for this occupation. Employment is 1.16x as concentrated as the national average, making California a strong market for this occupation.
Which state pays aerospace engineers the most?
Minnesota has the highest median wage at $159,060 per year, followed by Washington ($158,370) and California ($157,620).