SOC 2126 Science, research, engineering and technology professionals

Aerospace engineers Salary

Median salary £55,817 per year (2025). Based on ONS ASHE data.

Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £56,000 after tax and National Insurance →

For aerospace engineers, £55,839 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +43% versus the national average.

About this role

Aerospace engineers apply engineering principles to design, develop, test and maintain systems, structures or processes. They use mathematical and scientific knowledge to solve technical problems and deliver solutions that meet safety, performance and cost requirements.

Key responsibilities

Designing and developing engineering solutions to meet specifications
Conducting technical analysis, testing and quality assurance
Managing engineering projects and coordinating with multidisciplinary teams
Ensuring compliance with engineering standards and safety regulations
Preparing technical documentation and reports

Qualifications and entry routes

Typically requires a BEng or MEng degree in the relevant engineering discipline. Chartered Engineer (CEng) status through the relevant institution (IMechE, IET, ICE, etc.) is the professional standard.

Career outlook

Strong demand, particularly in renewable energy, infrastructure, defence and advanced manufacturing. Engineering skills shortages persist across the UK.

Key skills

Technical problem-solving CAD/CAE software Project management Analytical thinking Attention to safety standards

Common industries

Manufacturing
Construction
Energy
Aerospace
Automotive
Telecommunications

Data coverage

SOC code 2126

Data source ONS ASHE

Years available 2021–2025

Median Salary

£55,817

Mean Salary

£62,880

Jobs (000s)

N/A

Data Years

5 years

Salary Range (2025)

Median: £55,817

P10: --P25: --Median: £56kP75: --P90: --

Estimated Career Progression

Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation

Mid Level

£55,817

3-7 years

Salary Trend (2021-2025)

Adjust for inflation

Nominal growth: +36.6%Real growth: +10.5%

Gender Pay Comparison (2025)

Full-time vs All Employees (2025)

All Employees

£55,817

Full-time Only

£55,839

Full-time premium: +£22

Aerospace engineers salary: common questions

How much do aerospace engineers earn in the UK?

Aerospace engineers earn a median of £55,839 a year (ONS ASHE 2025).

Is £55,839 a good salary in the UK?

For aerospace engineers, £55,839 is the typical (median) pay. That is well above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +43% versus the national average.

Have aerospace engineers salaries kept up with inflation?

Since 2021, median aerospace engineers pay has risen from £40,858 to £55,839 — +37% in cash terms, or +11% after CPIH inflation. That is ahead of inflation over the period.

Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025).