EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineer Salary in Seattle
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$283,376/yr
Typical range: $251,361 – $301,657
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Seattle
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Seattle
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 | $143,742 | $11,979 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $174,543 | $14,545 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $195,078 | $16,257 | +36% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $220,951 | $18,413 | +54% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $283,376 | $23,615 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $332,659 | $27,722 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $344,980 | $28,748 | +140% |
Current Salary
$283,376
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $136/hr
Next Level Target
$332,659
Principal · 14
+$49Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Aerospace Engineer salary in Seattle, WA?
Staff / Lead Aerospace Engineers in Seattle, WA earn approximately $283K 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 Seattle, WA?
Based on $283K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $136/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Aerospace Engineer in Seattle, WA?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Seattle, WA earns $251K–$302K/yr.