Aeronautical engineering salary: how it compares by state and industry

What the data says about aeronautical engineering salary

If you're looking into an aeronautical engineering salary in Australia, the first thing to know is that the official statistics are limited. The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) does not publish a median weekly earnings figure for the specific occupation 'Aeronautical Engineer' (ANZSCO 233911) because the sample size is too small to be reliable. That doesn't mean the pay is low – it means the data is withheld to protect confidentiality and statistical quality.

What we do have is the broader category Other Engineering Professionals (ANZSCO 2339), which includes aeronautical engineers alongside agricultural, biomedical, environmental engineers, naval architects, and engineering technologists. According to the ABS Survey of Employee Earnings and Hours (May 2025), the median full-time weekly earnings for this group is $2,649. That annualises to roughly $137,748 – well above the national full-time adult ordinary-time earnings of $108,352 (index 100). On the Salary Index, Other Engineering Professionals sit at about 127, meaning they earn 27% more than the average full-time worker.

State differences for aeronautical engineers

State-level earnings for aeronautical engineers aren't published separately, but we can look at where they work. The 2021 Census counted 1,400 employed aeronautical engineers, with New South Wales employing the largest share at 27.8%. NSW has a state salary index of 101.2, slightly above the national line. Other states with significant aerospace activity – often linked to Defence, aircraft manufacturing, or maintenance – include Victoria (index 98) and Queensland (index 97.9). The states page shows how each state compares on the index.

Because aeronautical engineers are a small occupation, their pay is likely influenced by the local labour market and the specific employer. For example, engineers working in Canberra for Defence or the public service may earn more, given the ACT's index of 109.9. Those in Western Australia (index 106.9) might also see higher pay if they work in the resources sector, though that's less common for this specialisation.

Industry differences

The industries that employ aeronautical engineers also affect pay. According to Jobs and Skills Australia, the top industries are:

• Public Administration and Safety (includes Defence and government agencies)
• Manufacturing (aircraft and parts production)
• Professional, Scientific and Technical Services (engineering consulting, R&D)

Each of these industries has a different salary index. The industries page shows that Professional, Scientific and Technical Services has an index of 114.7, Manufacturing is around 100, and Public Administration and Safety is about 105. So an aeronautical engineer working for a private consulting firm may earn more than one in a factory, but the difference isn't huge.

It's also worth noting that the broader Other Engineering Professionals group works 94% full-time, averaging 42 hours per week – slightly below the all-occupations average of 44 hours. That suggests many engineers work standard hours, though overtime or penalty rates may apply under certain awards.

How the salary index works

The how the index works page explains that the index compares a role's annual gross earnings to the national line of 100. For Other Engineering Professionals, the index of 127 means they earn 27% above that line. To calculate your own index, divide your annual salary by $108,352 and multiply by 100.

Caveats and context

Remember that the $2,649 figure is a median for a group that includes several engineering disciplines. Aeronautical engineers specifically could earn more or less depending on experience, location, and employer. The ABS also notes that median earnings are for full-time non-managerial employees paid at the adult rate, before tax and salary sacrifice. They exclude part-timers, juniors, and managers.

If you're an aeronautical engineer looking at a specific job offer, you might also check the relevant modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award) for minimum rates, though many engineers are above-award. Superannuation is 12% from 1 July 2026, and the tax rates for 2026–27 start at 0% up to $18,200, then 15% to $45,000, 30% to $135,000, 37% to $190,000, and 45% above that, plus the 2% Medicare levy.

Final thoughts

While a precise aeronautical engineering salary figure isn't available from the ABS, the data for the broader engineering professional group gives a strong indication: it's a well-paying field, comfortably above the national average. State and industry differences exist, but the biggest factor is likely the specific employer and role. For the most current pay rates, check job ads or industry surveys, and always consider the total package including super and benefits.