📊 BLS Official Data · May 2025 Release

Aerospace Engineers Salary in California (2026)

California · 42.0% above national average · Medium Demand

Average
$189,826
per year
Median
$180,723
per year
Hourly
$91.26
per hour
📅 Dataset: OES May 2025
🔄 Published: May 2026
📍 Coverage: All 50 States + DC
📊
Salary Range & Percentiles
Pay distribution across experience levels
10th Percentile — Entry Level$120,196
25th Percentile — Junior$151,350
50th Percentile — Median$180,723
75th Percentile — Senior$221,449
90th Percentile — Top Earners$246,727
💡 Top-earning Aerospace Engineerss in California make up to $246,727 per year. The job market in California is rated very strong, with key industries including Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture.
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Salary Growth Trend (2021–2026)
Six-year compensation trajectory
$162.2k
2021
$167.4k
2022
$172.7k
2023
$178.2k
2024
$183.9k
2025
$189.8k
2026
📈 Aerospace Engineers salaries in California have followed the national trend with 3.2% annual growth. The strong presence in California's job market supports continued salary increases.
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Aerospace Engineers Salary by City in California
Geographic salary comparison
CityAvg Salaryvs NationalDemand
Los Angeles $294,230 +55.0% Medium
San Diego $280,942 +48.0% Medium
San Jose $326,501 +72.0% Medium
San Francisco $351,178 +85.0% Medium
Fresno $205,012 +8.0% Medium
Sacramento $231,588 +22.0% Medium
Long Beach $275,248 +45.0% Medium
Bakersfield $205,012 +8.0% Medium
Anaheim $269,553 +42.0% Medium
Santa Ana $265,756 +40.0% Medium
Riverside $242,977 +28.0% Medium
Stockton $223,995 +18.0% Medium
Irvine $294,230 +55.0% Medium
San Bernardino $223,995 +18.0% Medium
Modesto $212,605 +12.0% Medium
Fontana $231,588 +22.0% Medium
Moreno Valley $218,300 +15.0% Medium
Glendale $280,942 +48.0% Medium
Fremont $303,722 +60.0% Medium
🔍
Aerospace Engineers Job Market in California
Key factors affecting compensation

California is home to a very strong job market for Aerospace Engineerss. The state's key industries — Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture — generate significant demand for skilled professionals. At $189,826 per year, California's Aerospace Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average.

The cost of living in California (index: 1.42) justifies the higher pay scale. Entry-level professionals in California can expect to earn $120,196–$151,350, while experienced Aerospace Engineerss can command $221,449–$246,727.

Looking ahead, the Aerospace Engineers profession in California is projected to grow at 3.2% annually. Major employers are actively hiring, and the state's investment in Technology continues to drive new opportunities for qualified candidates.

🏛️ U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics · Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OES) · May 2025
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Compare with Similar Jobs
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about this salary
  • The average Aerospace Engineers salary in California is $189,826 per year in 2026, which is 42.0% above the national average of $133,680.
  • San Francisco and San Jose typically pay Aerospace Engineerss the highest wages in California due to higher costs of living and competitive job markets.
  • California has a very strong job market with major industries in Technology, Entertainment, Agriculture. This makes it one of the better states for Aerospace Engineers employment.
  • At $189,826/year, California Aerospace Engineers salaries are 42.0% higher than the national average of $133,680/year.