Home / City Job Salaries / Aerospace Engineer in Washington

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Washington, DC

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

Median Salary
$157,980
per year in Washington
Entry Level
$95,080
Starting salary
Senior Level
$219,417
Experienced professionals
Cost of Living
158
58% above national avg

Salary Breakdown by Experience Level

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

PeriodEntry LevelMedianSenior
Annual$95,080$157,980$219,417
Monthly$7,923$13,165$18,285
Biweekly$3,657$6,076$8,439
Weekly$1,828$3,038$4,220
Hourly$46$76$105

Washington vs National Average

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

Washington Salary
$157,980
COL Index: 158
National Average
$87,040
COL Index: 100
Difference
+$70,940
Higher in Washington

Cost of Living in Washington

1-Bedroom Rent
$2,200
per month
Median Income
$90,842
per year
Population
689,545
residents
Rent % of Income
29.1%
median household
Cost of Living Index: 158 — A score of 100 represents the U.S. average. Salaries in Washington 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
-14%
Los Angeles, CA
$143,860
-9%
Chicago, IL
$125,520
-21%
Houston, TX
$126,690
-20%
Phoenix, AZ
$139,260
-12%

Financial Tools to Explore

Use these Pulsafi calculators to understand your finances based on a aerospace engineer salary in Washington.

Salary Breakdown Calculator

See exactly how your salary breaks down into taxes and take-home pay.

Cost of Living Calculator

Understand your expenses and purchasing power in Washington.

Budget Calculator

Create a personalized budget based on your income and expenses.

Rent vs Buy Calculator

Compare the true costs of renting versus buying in Washington.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Washington, DC — Complete Guide

Median Salary Overview

The median salary for a aerospace engineer in Washington, DC is $157,980 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 158. This figure reflects typical earnings for experienced professionals in this role, considering Washington's unique economic conditions.

Salary Range and Experience Levels

Entry-level aerospace engineer professionals in Washington can expect to earn around $95,080 annually. As professionals gain experience, salaries typically increase, with senior-level aerospace engineers earning approximately $219,417 per year. This represents a 131% increase from entry to senior level.

Cost of Living Adjustment

Washington's cost of living index of 158 significantly impacts salary comparisons. As a higher cost-of-living city, salaries in Washington 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 Washington typically goes toward housing. With a 1-bedroom apartment averaging $2,200 per month, housing represents about 16.7% 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 Washington, this translates to increasing opportunities and potential for salary growth as demand for experienced professionals continues to rise.

Source: BLS OEWS May 2024Metro-level wage data for this occupation and area
Data source: Salary data on this page are sourced from Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program May 2024 estimates. 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.