How Much Does a Aerospace Engineer Earn After Taxes?
National median: $126,880/year. After federal taxes (single filer), that's $97,475/year take-home — 23.2% effective rate.
Aerospace Engineer Salary After Federal Tax by Experience Level
Take-home calculated for single filer, federal taxes only (no state income tax baseline).
| Level | Gross Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level | $75,000 | $61,149 | $5,096 | 18.5% |
| 25th Percentile | $99,000 | $78,033 | $6,503 | 21.2% |
| MedianBLS Median | $126,880 | $97,475 | $8,123 | 23.2% |
| 75th Percentile | $162,000 | $121,480 | $10,123 | 25.0% |
| 90th Percentile | $200,000 | $148,935 | $12,411 | 25.5% |
| Senior Level | $178,000 | $132,534 | $11,044 | 25.5% |
Aerospace Engineer Take-Home Pay by State
Salary figures adjusted for state cost of living and local market rates. Single filer.
| State | Est. Salary | Take-Home / Year | Monthly | Eff. Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $155,745 | $104,776 | $8,731 | 32.7% |
| Washington | $144,643 | $109,616 | $9,135 | 24.2% |
| Texas | $137,348 | $104,630 | $8,719 | 23.8% |
| Florida | $140,520 | $106,798 | $8,900 | 24.0% |
| Alabama | $135,127 | $96,396 | $8,033 | 28.7% |
About This Career
Aerospace engineers design aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites, with SpaceX, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, and Lockheed Martin representing the largest private employers. Defense contractors with security clearance requirements often pay a 10–20% premium over commercial aerospace roles.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary in the US?+
The national median Aerospace Engineer salary is $126,880 per year (BLS data). The middle 50% of earners fall between $99,000 and $162,000, while the top 10% earn over $200,000.
How much does a Aerospace Engineer take home after taxes?+
A Aerospace Engineer earning the median $126,880 takes home approximately $97,475 after federal taxes (single filer, assuming no state income tax). Add state taxes to get a more precise figure for your location.
Where do Aerospace Engineers earn the most?+
The highest-paying states for Aerospace Engineers are California, Washington, Texas. Top cities include Los Angeles, Seattle, Houston, where salaries can exceed $162,000 for experienced professionals.