EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Aerospace Engineer Salary in San Francisco
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$257,210/yr
Typical range: $292,611 – $351,161
P75 · 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-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $227,091 | $18,924 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 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
$257,210
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $124/hr
Next Level Target
$329,879
Staff · 10
+$73Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Aerospace Engineer salary in San Francisco, CA?
Senior Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco, CA earn approximately $257K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P75 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a senior Aerospace Engineer make per hour in San Francisco, CA?
Based on $257K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $124/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior 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.