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Salary

How much does a Propulsion Engineer make?

The average salary for a Propulsion Engineer is $122,201 per year in the US.

A Propulsion Engineer plays a key role in designing and developing systems that power vehicles and aircraft. This job often involves working with cutting-edge technology and can be quite rewarding. The average yearly salary for a Propulsion Engineer stands at around $122,201. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and the specific industry.

The salary range for Propulsion Engineers can be quite broad. At the lower end, some engineers earn around $46,000 per year. As experience and expertise grow, salaries can reach up to $213,700 per year. This wide range reflects the diverse opportunities and advancements available in this field. Engineers who specialize in high-demand areas or work for top companies often find themselves at the higher end of the salary spectrum. This career path offers good potential for growth and financial stability.

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What are the highest paying cities for a Propulsion Engineer?

Seattle, WA, offers the highest average salary for Propulsion Engineers at $132,224. This city attracts top talent with its strong aerospace industry. Job seekers can find excellent opportunities in this field. Huntsville, AL, follows closely with an average salary of $111,683. This city is known for its significant defense and space sectors. Brownsville, TX, and Houston, TX, also provide competitive salaries for Propulsion Engineers.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Propulsion Engineer jobs, highlighting Seattle, WA with the highest at $132,224 and Houston, TX with the lowest at $107,961.
  1. Seattle, WA
    Average Salary: $132,224
    In Seattle, professionals work with top aerospace companies like Boeing. They focus on designing and improving aircraft engines. The city offers a vibrant tech scene and a strong aerospace industry.
    Find Propulsion Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA


  2. Huntsville, AL
    Average Salary: $111,683
    Huntsville, known as Rocket City, is home to many defense and aerospace firms. Engineers here collaborate on cutting-edge propulsion systems. The city's rich history in space exploration provides a unique work environment.
    Find Propulsion Engineer jobs in Huntsville, AL


  3. Brownsville, TX
    Average Salary: $110,445
    Brownsville offers a mix of aerospace and maritime engineering opportunities. Engineers here work on propulsion systems for both aircraft and ships. The city's strategic location near the coast adds a unique aspect to the work.
    Find Propulsion Engineer jobs in Brownsville, TX


  4. Houston, TX
    Average Salary: $107,961
    Houston is a hub for energy and aerospace industries. Engineers here develop advanced propulsion technologies. Companies like SpaceX and NASA offer exciting career opportunities in the city.
    Find Propulsion Engineer jobs in Houston, TX

What are the best companies a Propulsion Engineer can work for?

Propulsion Engineers can find excellent opportunities with top-tier companies. Northrop Grumman and Relativity Space offer some of the highest salaries, with averages around $145,000 and $140,000 respectively. Boeing, Blue Origin, and SpaceX also provide competitive compensation packages, making them attractive choices for professionals in this field.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Propulsion Engineer jobs, highlighting Northrop Grumman with the highest at $145,195 and Firefly Aerospace with the lowest at $108,354.
  1. Northrop Grumman
    Average Salary: $145,195
    Northrop Grumman offers exciting opportunities for Propulsion Engineers. They work on advanced aerospace projects. The company has locations in California, Virginia, and Arizona.


  2. Relativity Space
    Average Salary: $140,414
    Relativity Space is a growing company in aerospace. Propulsion Engineers here focus on innovative rocket technology. They operate in California and Texas.


  3. Amazon.com
    Average Salary: $139,900
    Amazon.com is expanding into aerospace. Propulsion Engineers at Amazon work on cutting-edge projects. They have offices in Washington and California.


  4. Boeing
    Average Salary: $127,507
    Boeing is a leader in aerospace. Propulsion Engineers here develop propulsion systems for aircraft. They operate in Washington, California, and Kansas.


  5. Blue Origin
    Average Salary: $124,935
    Blue Origin is known for its space exploration missions. Propulsion Engineers work on rocket technology. They have facilities in Texas and Washington.


  6. The Aerospace Corporation
    Average Salary: $113,600
    The Aerospace Corporation focuses on research and development. Propulsion Engineers here work on various aerospace projects. They operate in California.


  7. SpaceX
    Average Salary: $112,749
    SpaceX is a pioneer in space travel. Propulsion Engineers at SpaceX work on rocket propulsion systems. They have locations in California and Texas.


  8. Firefly Aerospace
    Average Salary: $108,354
    Firefly Aerospace is developing new space technologies. Propulsion Engineers here focus on rocket propulsion. They operate in Texas.

How to earn more as a Propulsion Engineer?

A Propulsion Engineer can increase their earning potential through various strategies. Gaining specialized skills and certifications can lead to higher-paying positions. For example, obtaining a certification in rocket propulsion systems or advanced aerodynamics can make an engineer more valuable. Continuing education and staying updated with the latest technologies in propulsion systems also play a crucial role in salary growth.

Experience and networking within the industry can further enhance earning potential. Working on diverse projects and gaining a broad range of experiences can make an engineer more attractive to employers. Attending industry conferences and joining professional organizations can provide networking opportunities and insights into higher-paying roles. Additionally, relocating to areas with a higher demand for propulsion engineers can lead to better compensation packages. Building a strong professional reputation and showcasing successful projects can also open doors to more lucrative job offers.

Here are some key factors to consider for earning more as a Propulsion Engineer:

  1. Obtain specialized certifications
  2. Continue education and stay updated with new technologies
  3. Gain diverse experience and work on various projects
  4. Network within the industry and attend conferences
  5. Consider relocating to areas with higher demand

Currently 42 Propulsion Engineer job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Propulsion Engineer in the US?

Learn what a Propulsion Engineer does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Propulsion Engineer today.
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Propulsion Engineer
42 Job Openings