EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years

Entry Level Aerospace Engineer Salary in Washington DC

2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.

$135,009/yr

Typical range: $131,291 $157,562

P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data

Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC

From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data

Experience LevelYearsPercentileAnnual SalaryMonthlyvs Entry
EntryThis page0 yrs0 yrs$135,009$11,251
Junior2 yrs2 yrs$163,940$13,662+21%
Mid-Level4 yrs4 yrs$183,227$15,269+36%
Senior6 yrs6 yrs$207,528$17,294+54%
Staff10 yrs10 yrs$266,161$22,180+97%
Principal14 yrs14 yrs$312,449$26,037+131%
Distinguished18 yrs18 yrs$324,022$27,002+140%
Current Salary
$135,009
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $65/hr
Next Level Target
$163,940
Junior · 2
+$29Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the entry level Aerospace Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?

Entry Level Aerospace Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $135K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.

How much does a entry level Aerospace Engineer make per hour in Washington DC, DC?

Based on $135K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $65/hr (2,080-hour work year).

How do I get from entry level to senior Aerospace Engineer in Washington DC, DC?

The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $236K–$283K/yr.