Aerospace engineering graduates usually receive an average annual salary of between $80,000 and $100,000 in the United States, depending on experience, location, and employer. New graduates can begin at around $65,000 to $75,000, while experienced engineers with a few years of experience can command much higher salaries, sometimes over $100,000. The salary also depends on the particular industry, with defense, commercial aviation, and space exploration firms paying competitive salaries.
Moreover, aerospace engineers employed in high-profile organizations such as NASA, Boeing, or Lockheed Martin tend to earn more because of the technicality of their work. Location is also an important factor, with aerospace centers like California, Texas, and Florida tending to pay more than other areas. Benefits like health insurance, retirement schemes, and bonuses also add to the total compensation package for aerospace engineers.