EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineer Salary in Los Angeles
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$274,711/yr
Typical range: $243,675 – $292,433
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Los Angeles
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Los Angeles
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 | $139,346 | $11,612 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $169,206 | $14,101 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $189,113 | $15,759 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $214,195 | $17,850 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $274,711 | $22,893 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $322,487 | $26,874 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $334,431 | $27,869 | +140% |
Current Salary
$274,711
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $132/hr
Next Level Target
$322,487
Principal · 14
+$48Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Aerospace Engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA?
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineers in Los Angeles, CA earn approximately $275K 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 Los Angeles, CA?
Based on $275K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $132/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Aerospace Engineer in Los Angeles, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Los Angeles, CA earns $244K–$292K/yr.