California ranks 8th of 42 states and D.C. for aerospace engineers pay, trailing top-paying District of Columbia ($175,350) by $31,490 — a 22% gap.
California employs roughly 13.6% of all aerospace engineers in the country (9,330 workers).
Salary Range: 10th to 90th Percentile
Full Percentile Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Wage |
|---|---|---|
| 10th percentile (entry-level) | $102,380 | $49.22 |
| 25th percentile | $118,000 | $56.73 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $143,860 | $69.16 |
| 75th percentile | $185,220 | $89.05 |
| 90th percentile (top earners) | $224,660 | $108.01 |
| Mean (average) | $157,060 | $75.51 |
How California Compares
| State | Median Annual | vs. California |
|---|---|---|
| California (current) | $143,860 | n/a |
| District of Columbia | $175,350 | +22% |
| Washington | $158,600 | +10% |
| Maryland | $158,220 | +10% |
| Massachusetts | $152,210 | +6% |
| Colorado | $151,570 | +5% |
| Iowa | $150,010 | +4% |
| Minnesota | $147,940 | +3% |
| Georgia | $142,910 | -1% |
Showing top-paying states with available data. View all states →
Related Occupations in California
| Occupation | Median Annual | Employment |
|---|---|---|
| Information Security Analysts | $140,660 | 15,800 |
| Electrical Engineers | $140,360 | 23,650 |
| Registered Nurses | $140,330 | 326,720 |
| Computer Network Architects | $138,350 | 19,800 |
| Data Scientists | $136,800 | 36,850 |
| Medical and Health Services Managers | $136,500 | 68,800 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Aerospace Engineers salary in California?
The mean aerospace engineers salary in California is $157,060 per year. The median (middle) salary is $143,860 per year.
What is the starting salary for a Aerospace Engineers in California?
Entry-level aerospace engineerss (10th percentile) in California typically earn around $102,380 per year. Workers at the 25th percentile earn approximately $118,000 per year.
What is the highest Aerospace Engineers salary in California?
Top earners (90th percentile) in this occupation in California make approximately $224,660 per year. Those in the 75th percentile earn around $185,220 per year.
How does the California Aerospace Engineers salary compare to the national average?
The median aerospace engineers salary in California is $143,860, which is +7% above national average of $134,830.