RateOrchard
METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Aerospace Engineers salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$157,980
Mean annual$160,510
Range (10th to 90th)$100,370 to $221,890
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment2,750
State vs national+15.8% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. aerospace engineers fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$100,37025TH$128,250MEDIAN$157,98075TH$191,88090TH$221,890

The middle 50% of workers earn between $128,250 and $191,880, with a median of $157,980.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Bachelor's degree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    None

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Engineering and Technology

    Knowledge

    4.8 / 5
  • Mathematics

    Knowledge

    4.3 / 5
  • Design

    Knowledge

    4.1 / 5
  • Critical Thinking

    Cross-functional

    4.1 / 5
  • Written Comprehension

    Ability

    4.1 / 5
  • Physics

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Science

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5
  • Reading Comprehension

    Basic skill

    4.0 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.

  2. 02

    Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.

  3. 03

    Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.

  4. 04

    Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.

  5. 05

    Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.

  6. 06

    Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.

  7. 07

    Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.

  8. 08

    Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.

Sponsored

Build the skills employers list for Aerospace Engineers

Online courses from licensed providers. We may earn a commission when you enroll. The commission does not influence our rankings or wage data.

Explore courses

Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Aerospace Engineers in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Aerospace Engineers in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $157,980.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Aerospace Engineers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -9.9% versus the District of Columbia state median of $175,350.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Aerospace Engineers?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +15.8% versus the BLS national figure of $136,432.
What is the salary range for Aerospace Engineers in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $100,370 and the 90th-percentile at $221,890 for the Washington, D.C. 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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. 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.