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Aerospace Engineer Salary in Reston, VA

How much does a aerospace engineer make in Reston? Explore median, entry-level, and senior salaries adjusted for Reston's cost of living.

Median Salary
$124,084
per year in Reston
Entry Level
$74,680
Starting salary
Senior Level
$172,339
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
132
32% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

See how aerospace engineer salaries break down across different pay periods in Reston.

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$74,680$124,084$172,339
Monthly$6,223$10,340$14,362
Biweekly$2,872$4,772$6,628
Weekly$1,436$2,386$3,314
Hourly$36$60$83

Reston vs National Average

How Reston's aerospace engineer salaries compare to national figures.

Reston Salary
$124,084
COL Index: 132
National Average
$87,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$37,044
Higher in Reston

Cost of Living in Reston

1-Bedroom Rent
$1,750
per month
Median Income
$112,234
per year
Population
63,890
residents
Rent % of Income
18.7%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 132 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Reston have been adjusted to account for local cost differences.

About Aerospace Engineer

Overview

Design aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering; PE license recommended

Key Skills

Aircraft DesignAerodynamicsCADSystems Engineering

Growth Rate

Expected job growth: +19% over the next decade

Compare Cities: Aerospace Engineer Salary

See Aerospace Engineer salaries in other top cities.

New York, NY
$135,530
+9%
Los Angeles, CA
$143,860
+16%
Chicago, IL
$125,520
+1%
Houston, TX
$126,690
+2%
Phoenix, AZ
$139,260
+12%

Financial Tools to Explore

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Aerospace Engineer Salary in Reston, VA — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a aerospace engineer in Reston, VA is $124,084 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 132. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Reston's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level aerospace engineer professionals in Reston can expect to earn around $74,680 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level aerospace engineers earning approximately $172,339 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Reston's cost of living index of 132 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Reston are adjusted accordingly. This means that while the nominal salary may appear higher or lower than the national average of $87,040, the actual purchasing power must be considered in context.

Housing and Affordability

A significant portion of a aerospace engineer's salary in Reston typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $1,750 per month, housing represents about 16.9% of median salary. Financial experts generally recommend keeping housing expenses below 30% of gross income.

Career Growth and Opportunities

Aerospace Engineers are in growing demand across the United States, with an expected job growth of 19% over the next decade. In Reston, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Data source: Salary estimates on this page are based on Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, adjusted for regional cost of living differences. Figures are approximate and intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, education, certifications, and local market conditions. This page does not constitute financial or career advice. For the most current wage data, visit bls.gov.