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State comparison · 2025

Aerospace Engineers salary: California vs North Carolina

Occupation

Aerospace Engineers in California earn a median of $157,620. In North Carolina, $122,930. After cost-of-living, the gap is 9.2% — not 28.2%.

Nominal pay gap
+28.2%
California vs North Carolina
COL-adjusted gap
+9.2%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Aerospace Engineers

Median
$157,620
p25
$129,010
p75
$193,060
p10
$104,370
p90
$220,670
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
Hiring velocity (180d)
-60%
See full breakdown for California

North Carolina

Aerospace Engineers

Median
$122,930
p25
$94,210
p75
$149,990
p10
$79,310
p90
$176,720
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
94.3
Hiring velocity (180d)
+50%
See full breakdown for North Carolina

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.