How Much Does a Plane Engineer Make? (2023 Salary Guide)

How Much Does a Plane Engineer Make?

The average salary for a plane engineer is \$115,000 per year, but the range can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience, education, and location. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the factors that affect plane engineer salaries, and we’ll provide some tips on how to earn a higher salary in this field.

We’ll also discuss the different types of jobs that plane engineers can do, and we’ll provide some information on the job outlook for this field. So if you’re interested in learning more about plane engineering, read on!

Year	Median Salary	Source
2020	$115,060	U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
2021	$117,530	PayScale
2022	$120,000	Glassdoor

How Much Do Plane Engineers Make?

The median annual salary for plane engineers is \$113,600, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the salary range can vary significantly depending on factors such as experience level, location, and industry.

Average Salary by Experience Level

Plane engineers typically earn more as they gain experience. The following table shows the median annual salary for plane engineers by experience level:

| Experience Level | Median Annual Salary |
| ————– | ————– |
| Entry-level | \$70,500 |
| Mid-level | \$90,000 |
| Senior-level | \$120,000 |
| Executive-level | \$150,000+ |

Average Salary by Location

The salary for plane engineers can vary significantly depending on where they work. The following table shows the median annual salary for plane engineers by state:

| State | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| California | \$130,700 |
| New York | \$127,100 |
| Texas | \$119,900 |
| Florida | \$118,900 |
| Illinois | \$117,800 |

Average Salary by Industry

The industry in which a plane engineer works can also affect their salary. The following table shows the median annual salary for plane engineers by industry:

| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| Aerospace | \$125,100 |
| Defense | \$122,700 |
| Manufacturing | \$118,100 |
| Transportation | \$117,200 |
| Utilities | \$114,800 |

Factors that Affect Salary

In addition to experience level, location, and industry, there are a number of other factors that can affect a plane engineer’s salary. These factors include:

• Education level: Plane engineers with a master’s degree or higher typically earn more than those with a bachelor’s degree.
• Certifications: Plane engineers who have certifications from professional organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) or the Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) typically earn more than those who do not.
• Work experience: Plane engineers who have more work experience typically earn more than those who have less experience.
• Job title: Plane engineers with higher-level job titles, such as chief engineer or director of engineering, typically earn more than those with lower-level job titles.
• Company size: Plane engineers who work for larger companies typically earn more than those who work for smaller companies.
• Location: Plane engineers who work in high-cost areas, such as major cities, typically earn more than those who work in lower-cost areas.

What Education and Training Do Plane Engineers Need?

Plane engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Some employers may also require candidates to have a master’s degree in engineering.

In addition to a degree, plane engineers also need to have a strong understanding of physics, mathematics, and computer science. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team.

Plane engineers must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to work on commercial aircraft. To obtain a license, plane engineers must pass a written exam and a practical exam.

Plane engineers also need to keep their skills up-to-date by attending continuing education courses. These courses can cover new technologies, regulations, and procedures.

Education Requirements

The minimum educational requirement for plane engineers is a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. Some employers may also require candidates to have a master’s degree in engineering.

The following are some of the top undergraduate engineering programs for plane engineers:

• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
• Stanford University
• University of California, Berkeley
• University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• Georgia Institute of Technology

Licensing Requirements

Plane engineers must be licensed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to work on commercial aircraft. To obtain a license, plane engineers must pass a written exam and a practical exam.

The following are the steps to obtain an FAA license for plane engineers:

1. Apply for an FAA Airframe and Powerplant

How Much Does A Plane Engineer Make?

The median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $119,260 in 2020. The top 10% of earners made more than $166,280, while the bottom 10% earned less than $74,500.

What Job Duties Do Plane Engineers Perform?

Plane engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and maintaining aircraft components. They work closely with other engineers, such as mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, and software engineers, to ensure that the aircraft is safe and reliable.

Specific job duties of plane engineers may include:

• Designing aircraft components, such as wings, fuselages, and engines
• Developing test plans and procedures for aircraft components
• Testing aircraft components to ensure that they meet safety and performance standards
• Overseeing the manufacture of aircraft components
• Repairing and maintaining aircraft components
• Troubleshooting and diagnosing aircraft problems

What Career Opportunities Are Available for Plane Engineers?

Plane engineers can find employment with a variety of employers, including:

• Aircraft manufacturers, such as Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer
• Aerospace companies, such as General Electric, Honeywell, and Raytheon
• Government agencies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
• Military organizations, such as the United States Air Force and the United States Navy

Plane engineers can also find employment with smaller companies that design, develop, or manufacture aircraft components.

Job opportunities for plane engineers are expected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for new and more efficient aircraft.

Job Opportunities by Industry

The following table provides information on the median annual salary for plane engineers by industry:

| Industry | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| Aerospace | $124,920 |
| Government | $118,280 |
| Manufacturing | $117,110 |
| Military | $116,710 |
| Other | $114,610 |

Job Opportunities by Location

The following table provides information on the median annual salary for plane engineers by location:

| Location | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| California | $136,490 |
| Washington | $133,840 |
| Texas | $130,850 |
| New York | $129,960 |
| Florida | $129,560 |

Job Opportunities by Company

The following table provides information on the median annual salary for plane engineers by company:

| Company | Median Annual Salary |
|—|—|
| Boeing | $140,860 |
| Airbus | $139,040 |
| General Electric | $138,770 |
| Honeywell | $137,960 |
| Raytheon | $136,730 |

Plane engineers are in high demand and can find employment with a variety of employers. The median annual salary for plane engineers is $119,260, and job opportunities are expected to grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030.

If you are interested in a career as a plane engineer, there are a number of steps you can take to prepare yourself. These include:

• Earning a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field
• Gaining experience through internships or co-ops
• Taking the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• Becoming a licensed professional engineer (PE)

By following these steps, you can increase your chances of landing a successful career as a plane engineer.

How much does a plane engineer make?

The median annual salary for aerospace engineers is $119,260. However, the salary range can vary significantly depending on factors such as education, experience, and location.

What are the educational requirements for a plane engineer?

Most employers require aerospace engineers to have a bachelor’s degree in engineering, preferably in aerospace engineering. However, some employers may also accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree in a related field, such as mechanical engineering or electrical engineering.

What is the job outlook for plane engineers?

The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be positive over the next few years. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of aerospace engineers will grow by 6% from 2020 to 2030, faster than the average for all occupations.

What are the different types of plane engineers?

There are many different types of plane engineers, each with their own set of responsibilities. Some of the most common types of plane engineers include:

• Aerodynamicists: Aerodynamicists study the flow of air around objects, such as planes, in order to design aircraft that are efficient and safe.
• Avionics engineers: Avionics engineers design and maintain the electrical and electronic systems of aircraft.
• Structural engineers: Structural engineers design the structures of aircraft, such as the wings and fuselage.
• Propulsion engineers: Propulsion engineers design and maintain the engines of aircraft.

What are the most important skills for a plane engineer?

The most important skills for a plane engineer include:

• Strong math and science skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Teamwork skills
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work under pressure

What are the challenges of being a plane engineer?

Some of the challenges of being a plane engineer include:

• The long hours and demanding work schedule
• The risk of injury or death
• The need to stay up-to-date on the latest technologies
• The competition for jobs

Is being a plane engineer a good career?

Being a plane engineer can be a rewarding and challenging career. It offers the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technology and to make a real difference in the world. However, it is important to be aware of the challenges of the job before making a decision.

In this article, we’ve discussed the different factors that affect a plane engineer’s salary, including experience, education, location, and company size. We’ve also provided some tips on how to increase your earning potential as a plane engineer.

If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a plane engineer, it’s important to be aware of the salary potential and the factors that can impact your earnings. By taking the time to research the industry and prepare yourself for the job, you can increase your chances of landing a high-paying position.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• The average salary for a plane engineer is \$118,000 per year.
• The highest-paying states for plane engineers are California, New York, and Texas.
• The most common industries for plane engineers are aerospace, defense, and manufacturing.
• The most important factors that affect a plane engineer’s salary are experience, education, location, and company size.
• To increase your earning potential as a plane engineer, you should get as much experience as possible, earn a higher degree, live in a high-paying state, and work for a large company.