Electrical Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer: Which Pays More?
Side-by-side salary comparison by city, experience level, and career growth outlook. Data reflects current market rates.
Electrical Engineer
Design electrical systems, equipment, and components.
Aerospace Engineer
Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Aerospace Engineer earns more on average — the national median is $20,000/year (20%) higher than a Electrical Engineer. However, salaries vary significantly by city, employer, and experience level — see the city-by-city breakdown below.
Electrical Engineer vs Aerospace Engineer — Salary by City
National median figures in USD across top cities.
| City | Electrical Engineer | Aerospace Engineer | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Francisco, CA | $145,418 | $174,621 | Electrical $29,203 |
| New York, NY | $117,643 | $141,522 | Electrical $23,879 |
| Seattle, WA | $144,060 | $173,451 | Electrical $29,391 |
| Austin, TX | $108,995 | $131,599 | Electrical $22,604 |
| Chicago, IL | $105,085 | $128,078 | Electrical $22,993 |
| Boston, MA | $131,277 | $152,910 | Electrical $21,633 |
| London, UK | £77,293 | £95,528 | Electrical $18,235 |
| Toronto, Canada | CA$130,314 | CA$160,782 | Electrical $30,468 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Electrical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer earn more?+
A Aerospace Engineer earns more on average. The national median salary for a Electrical Engineer is $100,000/year, compared to $120,000/year for a Aerospace Engineer — a difference of $20,000 (20%).
Which has better career growth — Electrical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer?+
Electrical Engineer roles are growing at 7% YoY while Aerospace Engineer demand is growing at 6% YoY. Electrical Engineer has stronger near-term demand growth.
Can you switch from Electrical Engineer to Aerospace Engineer?+
Yes. Many professionals transition between these roles, especially since both are in the same category. Shared skills include: MATLAB.
Which is harder to automate — Electrical Engineer or Aerospace Engineer?+
Aerospace Engineer has a lower AI automation risk (30% vs 35%). Based on Oxford Martin School and McKinsey 2023 analysis.