Salary distribution
Where San Francisco aerospace engineers fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $128,800 and $202,490, with a median of $160,000.
Typical entry
Education
Bachelor's degree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
None
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.8 / 5
Engineering and Technology
Knowledge
- 4.3 / 5
Mathematics
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Design
Knowledge
- 4.1 / 5
Critical Thinking
Cross-functional
- 4.1 / 5
Written Comprehension
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Physics
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Science
Basic skill
- 4.0 / 5
Reading Comprehension
Basic skill
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- 02
Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- 03
Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- 04
Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- 05
Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- 06
Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- 07
Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- 08
Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
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Explore coursesOther metros in California
How the San Francisco metro compares to other major California metro areas for aerospace engineers.
- San Jose$167,340
- Sacramento$145,860
- Los Angeles$143,860
- San Diego$132,320
- Riverside$126,220
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco, California?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Aerospace Engineers in the San Francisco metropolitan area is $160,000.
- Does San Francisco pay more than the California state average for Aerospace Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +11.2% versus the California state median of $143,860.
- How does San Francisco compare to the national median for Aerospace Engineers?
- The San Francisco metro median is +17.3% versus the BLS national figure of $136,432.
- What is the salary range for Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $98,840 and the 90th-percentile at $238,710 for the San Francisco metro area.
- What education is required for Aerospace Engineers?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Bachelor's degree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the San Francisco CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.