Aerospace Engineer vs Structural Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Aerospace Engineer
Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Structural Engineer
Design load-bearing structures including buildings and bridges.
Aerospace Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $26,000/year (28%) higher than a Structural Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Aerospace Engineer vs Structural Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Aerospace Engineer | Structural Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $174,621 | $132,928 | Aerospace +$41,693 |
| New York, NY | $141,522 | $115,250 | Aerospace +$26,272 |
| Seattle, WA | $173,451 | $133,928 | Aerospace +$39,523 |
| Austin, TX | $131,599 | $103,233 | Aerospace +$28,366 |
| Chicago, IL | $128,078 | $99,645 | Aerospace +$28,433 |
| Boston, MA | $152,910 | $125,714 | Aerospace +$27,196 |
| London, UK | £95,528 | £71,504 | Aerospace +$24,024 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$160,782 | CA$125,929 | Aerospace +$34,853 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Aerospace Engineer or Structural Engineer earn more?+
A Aerospace Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Aerospace Engineer is $120,000/year, compared to $94,000/year for a Structural Engineer — a difference of $26,000 (28%).
Which has better career growth — Aerospace Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer roles are growing at 6% YoY while Structural Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Structural Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Aerospace Engineer to Structural Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: analytical thinking, communication, and industry knowledge.
Which is harder to automate — Aerospace Engineer or Structural Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 32%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.