Aerospace Engineers Salary in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
The median pay for a aerospace engineers in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA is $167,340/year ($80.45/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $108K at the entry level to $220K for experienced workers. Prices run high here (RPP 110.42), so that salary is closer to $151,549 in real purchasing power. A 2-bedroom apartment runs $3,483/month — about 35.3% of take-home, which is tight.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $167K get you in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
About aerospace engineers
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
Entry-level aerospace engineers (10th percentile) start around $108K. Mid-career wages sit at $167K.Top earners bring in $220K or more - a $112K spread from bottom to top.
Aerospace Engineers pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| District of Columbia | $175K | +30% | 330 |
| Washington | $159K | +18% | 5,700 |
| Maryland | $158K | +17% | 3,490 |
| Massachusetts | $152K | +13% | 990 |
| Iowa | $150K | +11% | N/A |
| Minnesota | $148K | +10% | 140 |
| California | $144K | +7% | 9,330 |
| Georgia | $143K | +6% | 3,060 |
| Vermont | $141K | +4% | 90 |
| New Mexico | $140K | +4% | 1,940 |
| Arizona | $136K | +1% | 1,770 |
| Hawaii | $135K | +0% | 50 |
| Ohio | $134K | -0% | 3,770 |
| Maine | $134K | -1% | 130 |
| Alabama | $133K | -1% | 5,570 |
Track aerospace engineers salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do aerospace engineers make in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA?
The median is $167,340 a year - that works out to about $80.45 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $108,240, and experienced aerospace engineers can clear $220,390. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $167K enough to live in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $9,453/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $3,483/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 36.8% of your paycheck. That's above the 30% rule of thumb - housing will be a stretch at the median salary, though you can manage with roommates or a smaller place.
How far does a aerospace engineers salary go in San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara?
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara has a Regional Price Parity of 110.42 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median aerospace engineers salary is worth about $151,549 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do aerospace engineers get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.