EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1003–5 years
3–5 Years Experience Aerospace Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Professionals with 3–5 years building toward senior-level expertise.
$227,091/yr
Typical range: $195,282 – $292,611
P25–P50 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in San Francisco
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in San Francisco
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 | $167,330 | $13,944 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $203,187 | $16,932 | +21% |
| Mid-LevelThis page | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $227,091 | $18,924 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $257,210 | $21,434 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $329,879 | $27,490 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $387,250 | $32,271 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $401,592 | $33,466 | +140% |
Current Salary
$227,091
3–5 Years Experience · 3–5 years
Hourly: $109/hr
Next Level Target
$257,210
Senior · 6
+$30Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 3–5 years experience Aerospace Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
3–5 Years Experience Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $227K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P25–P50 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a 3–5 years experience Aerospace Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $227K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $109/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from 3–5 years experience to senior Aerospace Engineer in San Francisco, CA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in San Francisco, CA earns $293K–$351K/yr.