Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician Salary in 2026

    SOC: 17-3021.00 · BLS OEWS 2026 · Updated March 2026
    Median Annual
    $79,830
    per year
    Salary Range
    $54K – $120K
    P10–P90
    Total Jobs
    9,060
    employed
    Job Growth
    +8.1%
    2024–2034
    Section 01

    How Much Do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Make?

    Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians earn a median annual salary of $79,830 as of 2026, based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data. Wages span from $53,730 at the 10th percentile to $120,440 at the 90th percentile — a range of $66,710. The highest-paying state is Colorado at $124,290.

    PercentileAnnual salary
    10th percentile$53,730
    25th percentile$64,570
    Median (50th)$79,830
    75th percentile$102,220
    90th percentile$120,440
    10th: $53,730Median: $79,83090th: $120,440
    Section 02

    Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician Salary by State

    Median annual salary across all 50 states. Click a column to sort.

    StateMedian salary
    Coloradotop$124,290
    Washington$105,910
    Alaska$105,850
    Nevada$98,770
    California$96,370
    Maryland$93,010
    Texas$83,320
    North Carolina$83,280
    Connecticut$81,460
    Massachusetts$81,420
    Florida$80,150
    Virginia$80,120
    South Carolina$78,820
    Utah$78,610
    Ohio$76,750
    Kansas$76,130
    Alabama$69,590
    New York$62,650
    Arizona$62,160
    Oklahoma$59,070
    Indiana$58,810
    Oregon$57,680
    Michigan$46,620
    Section 03

    Highest-Paying Metros for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

    Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO
    Highest paying
    $131,540
    top metro salary
    Colorado
    $124,290
    $-7,250 vs highest
    Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA
    $110,120
    $-21,420 vs highest
    Washington
    $105,910
    $-25,630 vs highest
    San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA
    $103,200
    $-28,340 vs highest
    Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington, TX
    $100,930
    $-30,610 vs highest
    Nevada
    $98,770
    $-32,770 vs highest
    Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV
    $97,580
    $-33,960 vs highest
    Section 04

    Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician Salary by Experience

    Estimated salary ranges derived from BLS wage percentiles. Entry level corresponds to P10–P25, mid-career to the median, experienced to P75, and senior to P90+.

    Experience levelEstimated salary
    Entry level (0–2 yrs)~$53,730 – $64,570
    Mid career (3–7 yrs)~$79,830
    Experienced (8–15 yrs)~$102,220
    Senior (15+ yrs)$120,440+
    Section 05

    How to Earn More as an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician

    Location is the single biggest salary lever: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians in Denver-Aurora-Centennial, CO earn $131,540 — $51,710 above the national median. Earning an additional certification or completing a bachelor's degree can push your salary from the median toward the 75th percentile. Reaching the 75th percentile ($102,220) typically requires 5–10 years of experience plus specialization in a high-demand area.

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    Section 06

    Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technician Salary vs Similar Careers

    CareerMedian salary
    Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicianthis career$79,830
    Software Developer$133,080
    Aerospace Engineer$134,830
    Electronics Engineer$127,590
    Validation Engineer$101,140

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    Section 07

    Frequently Asked Questions

    SOC: 17-3021.00 · Data: BLS OEWS 2026, O*NET 29.1 · Salary figures are national medians unless otherwise noted.