Aerospace engineering salary in Australia: where it sits on the salary index

Aerospace engineering salary in Australia: where it sits on the salary index

If you are looking at an aerospace engineering salary in Australia, the most reliable public figure comes from the broader occupation group that includes aeronautical engineers. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) and Jobs and Skills Australia report that for the group 'Other Engineering Professionals' (ANZSCO 2339) – which covers aeronautical engineers, agricultural engineers, biomedical engineers, and others – the median full-time weekly earnings for non-managerial employees is $2,649. That annualises to roughly $137,748 before tax.

To put that on the Salary Index, where 100 is the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $2,083.70 per week (annualised $108,352), the aerospace engineering salary sits at an index of about 127. That is well above the national line and significantly higher than the national minimum wage index of 48.2 ($1,004.90 per week). It also exceeds the all-occupations median of $1,852 per week (index 89).

Where the data comes from

The ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025) provides the $2,649 figure for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate. This is the best available benchmark because the specific 6-digit occupation 'Aeronautical Engineers' (233911) has its median weekly earnings marked as N/A – the sample size is too small to publish reliably. The ABS's new Occupation Standard Classification for Australia (OSCA) now lists 'Aerospace Engineer' (243932) as a distinct role, with specialisations including aeronautical engineer, propulsion engineer, and aerospace engineer officer. But earnings data for that new code are not yet available.

Jobs and Skills Australia reports that there are about 1,400 employed aeronautical engineers in Australia, with 91% working full-time, a median age of 37, and a female share of 11%. The main industries are Public Administration and Safety (defence), Manufacturing, and Professional, Scientific and Technical Services.

How the salary index works

The how the index works page explains that the index is simply your gross annual salary divided by the national line ($108,352) times 100. So an aerospace engineer earning $137,748 would have an index of 127. That means they earn 27% more than the average full-time adult worker. For comparison, the industries page shows that the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services industry has an index of 114.7, while Manufacturing is around 100. Aerospace engineers in defence (Public Administration) may earn even more, though specific figures are not published.

State and industry variations

Your actual take-home pay will depend on where you work. The states page shows that Western Australia has an index of 106.9 (annualised $115,825) and the ACT has 109.9 ($119,090). If you work in those states, you might earn above the national median for your occupation. Conversely, Tasmania's index is 88.6 ($96,008). The industry also matters: Mining has an index of 154.7, but aerospace engineers are more likely in Professional Services (114.7) or Manufacturing (around 100).

What about awards and super?

Most aerospace engineers are covered by professional-level awards or enterprise agreements. The Professional Employees Award 2020 sets minimum rates for engineering professionals, but actual salaries are often negotiated above award. From 1 July 2026, the superannuation guarantee is 12%, so on a $137,748 salary, your employer would contribute about $16,530 per year into your super fund. That is on top of your gross salary.

Take-home pay estimate

Using the 2026–27 resident tax rates (with the tax-free threshold and a flat 2% Medicare levy), a gross annual salary of $137,748 would result in take-home pay of approximately $99,000 per year, or about $1,904 per week. This ignores HELP repayments, salary sacrifice, or the Medicare levy surcharge. The national minimum wage take-home for a single adult is about $42,000.

Is the figure reliable?

The $2,649 median is a solid benchmark for the broader engineering group, but individual aerospace engineer salaries can vary. Entry-level graduates may start around $65,000–$75,000 (index 60–69), while senior engineers with 10+ years of experience, especially in defence or with security clearances, can earn $160,000–$200,000 (index 148–185). The median age of 37 suggests the $2,649 figure reflects mid-career earnings.

For more context on how your salary compares, see the topics page for other engineering roles, or check the pay guides for award rates. Remember that the salary index is a benchmark, not a quote for a specific job. Always consult your employer or an industry agreement for your exact rate.