Aerospace Engineer vs Mechanical Engineer salary
In United States, a aerospace engineer earns about 38% more than a mechanical engineer — $154,000 vs $112,000 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
Pays more
Engineering
Aerospace Engineer$154,000/yr
- Monthly
- $12,800
- Hourly
- $74
- Range
- $104,100–$215,000
- 10-yr outlook
- +6%
Engineering
Mechanical Engineer$112,000/yr
- Monthly
- $9,300
- Hourly
- $54
- Range
- $76,700–$155,100
- 10-yr outlook
- +10%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | Aerospace Engineer | Mechanical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $104,100 | $76,700 |
| 25th | $129,100 | $94,400 |
| Median | $154,000 | $112,000 |
| 75th | $184,500 | $133,600 |
| Senior (90th) | $215,000 | $155,100 |
National United States figures in USD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Engineering comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a aerospace engineer or mechanical engineer earn more in United States?
- A aerospace engineer earns more, at about $154,000 per year vs $112,000 for a mechanical engineer — roughly 38% ($42,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in United States?
- A aerospace engineer typically earns $104,100–$215,000, while a mechanical engineer earns $76,700–$155,100 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in United States?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a aerospace engineer averages about $12,800 and a mechanical engineer about $9,300.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in United States, a aerospace engineer earns about $104,100 while a mechanical engineer earns about $76,700 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in United States, a aerospace engineer earns about $215,000 while a mechanical engineer earns about $155,100 per year.
- Are aerospace engineer and mechanical engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Engineering category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.