EngineeringOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1006–10 years
Senior Aerospace Engineer Salary in Washington DC
2026 · Senior-level professionals in the top quarter of the market.
$207,528/yr
Typical range: $236,091 – $283,331
P75 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Aerospace Engineer salary by experience level in Washington DC
Aerospace Engineer Salary Progression in Washington DC
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 | $135,009 | $11,251 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $163,940 | $13,662 | +21% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $183,227 | $15,269 | +36% |
| SeniorThis page | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $207,528 | $17,294 | +54% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $266,161 | $22,180 | +97% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $312,449 | $26,037 | +131% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $324,022 | $27,002 | +140% |
Current Salary
$207,528
Senior · 6–10 years
Hourly: $100/hr
Next Level Target
$266,161
Staff · 10
+$59Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
36/100
Below Average
+6% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the senior Aerospace Engineer salary in Washington DC, DC?
Senior Aerospace Engineers in Washington DC, DC earn approximately $208K 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 Washington DC, DC?
Based on $208K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $100/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from senior to senior Aerospace Engineer in Washington DC, DC?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Aerospace Engineer in Washington DC, DC earns $236K–$283K/yr.