Aerospace engineers are responsible for the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems. They work on a wide variety of projects, from commercial airliners to military jets to space exploration vehicles.
As such, their salaries can vary depending on their experience, level of education, and the type of work they do. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $111,540 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $69,100, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $162,930.
However, salaries at NASA can be slightly higher than the national average. According to data from the Federal Salary Council, the average annual salary for an aerospace engineer at NASA was $123,800 in 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $97,000, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $154,000.
There are a number of factors that can affect an aerospace engineer’s salary at NASA, including their experience, level of education, and the type of work they do. For example, aerospace engineers with a master’s degree or higher typically earn more than those with only a bachelor’s degree. Additionally, aerospace engineers who work on high-profile projects, such as the development of new spacecraft, typically earn more than those who work on less complex projects.
Overall, aerospace engineers at NASA can expect to earn a competitive salary. Salaries are typically higher than the national average for aerospace engineers, and there is a lot of potential for advancement. The high salaries and career advancement opportunities make NASA a very attractive employer for aerospace engineers.
As mentioned above, the experience level of an aerospace engineer can have a significant impact on their salary at NASA. The following table shows the average annual salary for aerospace engineers at NASA by experience level:
| Experience Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 0-5 years | $97,000 |
| 6-10 years | $112,000 |
| 11-15 years | $127,000 |
| 16-20 years | $142,000 |
| 21+ years | $154,000 |
The level of education can also have a significant impact on an aerospace engineer’s salary at NASA. The following table shows the average annual salary for aerospace engineers at NASA by education level:
| Education Level | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Bachelor’s degree | $109,000 |
| Master’s degree | $123,000 |
| Ph.D. | $142,000 |
The type of work that an aerospace engineer does can also affect their salary at NASA. The following table shows the average annual salary for aerospace engineers at NASA by type of work:
| Type of Work | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Research and development | $127,000 |
| Design and analysis | $119,000 |
| Testing and evaluation | $114,000 |
| Project management | $125,000 |
| Other | $112,000 |
When negotiating an aerospace engineer salary at NASA, it is important to avoid the following common mistakes:
- Not doing your research. Before you start negotiating, it is important to do your research and understand what your skills and experience are worth. This includes researching the salaries of similar positions at NASA and in other industries.
- Not being prepared. Once you have done your research, you need to be prepared to negotiate. This means having a clear idea of what you want and being willing to walk away from the negotiation if you do not get what you want.
- Not being assertive. Be assertive when negotiating your salary. Do not be afraid to ask for what you want, but be prepared to compromise.
- Not being professional. Always be professional during salary negotiations. This means being polite and respectful, even if you are not getting what you want.
Here are a few tips for getting a higher salary as an aerospace engineer at NASA:
- Get a higher level of education. Earning a master’s degree or Ph.D. will qualify you for higher-paying positions.
- Gain experience in a high-demand field. Aerospace engineers with experience in fields such as space exploration or hypersonic flight typically earn more than those with experience in less complex fields.
- Be a good negotiator. When negotiating your salary, be prepared, assertive, and professional.
- Get involved in professional organizations. Joining professional organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) can help you network with other aerospace engineers and learn about job opportunities.
Aerospace engineer salaries at NASA matter for a number of reasons. First, they represent the value that NASA places on its employees. NASA is a world leader in space exploration and aerospace research, and it needs to attract and retain the best and brightest engineers in the world. Second, aerospace engineer salaries at NASA can have a ripple effect on the salaries of aerospace engineers in other industries. When NASA pays its engineers well, it raises the overall demand for aerospace engineers and drives up salaries in the private sector. Third, aerospace engineer salaries at NASA can help to inspire the next generation of engineers. When young people see that aerospace engineers can earn a good living, they are more likely to pursue careers in engineering.
In addition to offering competitive salaries, NASA also offers a number of other benefits to its employees, including:
- Health and dental insurance. NASA employees are eligible for a comprehensive health and dental insurance plan.
- Retirement plan. NASA employees are eligible for a defined benefit retirement plan.
- Flexible work schedule. Many NASA employees are able to work a flexible work schedule.
- Opportunities for advancement. NASA offers a number of opportunities for employees to advance their careers.
Aerospace engineers at NASA can earn a competitive salary and enjoy a number of benefits. The high salaries and career advancement opportunities make NASA a very attractive employer for aerospace engineers.