Tech epicenter — highest tech wages on Earth. Here's how Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the San Francisco metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $153,500 | $116,600 | $199,500 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $190,700 | $145,000 | $248,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $219,300 | $166,700 | $285,100 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $263,100 | $200,000 | $342,100 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $298,200 | $226,700 | $387,700 |
Highest-paying metros for Aerospace Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the San Francisco metro economy.
The average Aerospace Engineer salary in the San Francisco metro is $219,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $166,700 to $285,100 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $361,800 or more.
Yes — San Francisco pays +16% relative to the California state median for Aerospace Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
San Francisco vs. national: +57%. That puts San Francisco among the stronger US markets for Aerospace Engineers — though cost of living in San Francisco is also typically elevated.
In San Francisco, the median Aerospace Engineer salary of $219,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level Aerospace Engineers in San Francisco start around $153,500, while seniors (10+ years) reach $263,100 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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