EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineer Salary in Boston
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$268,347/yr
Typical range: $238,030 – $285,658
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Boston
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Boston
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 | $136,118 | $11,343 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $165,286 | $13,774 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $184,731 | $15,394 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $209,233 | $17,436 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $268,347 | $22,362 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $315,015 | $26,251 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $326,683 | $27,224 | +140% |
Current Salary
$268,347
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $129/hr
Next Level Target
$315,015
Principal · 14
+$47Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Aerospace Engineer salary in Boston, MA?
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineers in Boston, MA earn approximately $268K 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 Boston, MA?
Based on $268K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $129/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Aerospace Engineer in Boston, MA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Boston, MA earns $238K–$286K/yr.