EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineer Salary in Austin
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$215,606/yr
Typical range: $191,247 – $229,515
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Austin
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Austin
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $109,365 | $9,114 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $132,801 | $11,067 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $148,424 | $12,369 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $168,110 | $14,009 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $215,606 | $17,967 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $253,102 | $21,092 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $262,476 | $21,873 | +140% |
Current Salary
$215,606
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $104/hr
Next Level Target
$253,102
Principal · 14
+$37Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Aerospace Engineer salary in Austin, TX?
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineers in Austin, TX earn approximately $216K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Austin, TX?
Based on $216K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $104/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Aerospace Engineer in Austin, TX?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Austin, TX earns $191K–$230K/yr.