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Is Aerospace Engineering a Good Career in Washington?

Washington · 2026 BLS salary data

Aerospace Engineering pay in Washington

The median wage is $158,370/yr — 17% above the national median. Among U.S. states, Washingtonone of the highest-paying states (#2 of 41).

The numbers in Washington

Real BLS state-level figures for Aerospace Engineering.

Median salary
$158,370/yr
Pay range (25th–75th)
$130,560 – $181,460
National median
$134,960/yr
Employed in Washington
5,760

Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics (OEWS), state estimates, May 2025 release.

What that pay is really worth in Washington

Salary alone can mislead — Washington costs 7% more than the U.S. average. Here's the median adjusted for local prices (real purchasing power).

Cost of living (US=100)
107
Nominal median
$158,370
Adjusted for cost of living
≈ $148,009
State income tax
None

Washington's high pay is offset by cost of living — adjusted for prices it ranks #7 of 41, down from #2 on raw salary.

Washington levies no state income tax, so more of that pay stays in your pocket than in high-tax states.

Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities (all items, US=100), 2024. Adjusted pay = nominal median ÷ (RPP/100) — purchasing power vs the U.S. average. State income tax = top marginal rate on wage income (Tax Foundation, 2025); your effective rate is lower and depends on income and deductions.

The verdict, pros, and cons below apply to Aerospace Engineering nationally — Washington pay is 17% above the national median. See the full Aerospace Engineering career guide →

The verdict

Yes — aerospace engineering pays well from a bachelor's degree, with faster-than-average growth driven by space, defense, and aviation. It's a rigorous degree with geographically concentrated jobs, but a strong, prestigious choice for the technically inclined.

Pros & cons

Pros

  • Strong pay from a bachelor's degree
  • Faster-than-average projected growth (space, defense)
  • Prestigious, cutting-edge work
  • Skills transfer to broader engineering
  • Riding the commercial-space boom

Cons

  • Rigorous, math- and physics-heavy degree
  • Jobs concentrated in specific regions
  • Some roles require security clearances/citizenship
  • Cyclical with defense and aerospace budgets
  • On-site work — limited remote options

Who it's for

✓ A good fit if…

  • Strong math/physics students
  • People passionate about aviation or space
  • Those willing to relocate to industry hubs

✗ Probably not if…

  • People needing geographic flexibility
  • Those who dislike heavy math and physics

What people are actually asking

Real Reddit discussions on whether Aerospace Engineering is worth it — titles link to the original threads.