SOC 17-2011 · May 2025 · BLS OEWS
Aerospace Engineers — Grand Rapids
Grand Rapids-Wyoming-Kentwood, MI · 2 metro areas compared
The median wage here is $144,020 a year, within a few percent of the national median of $134,960.
Wage distribution · annual
Shaded band holds the middle 50% of earners
Salary overview
The median wage here is $144,020 a year, within a few percent of the national median of $134,960. Half of workers earn between $99,980 and $161,900. Beyond that band, the tenth percentile sits at $90,010 and the ninetieth at $180,160.
Detroit leads the state's metro areas for this occupation, at $128,960. Set against every other occupation measured in the same area, it ranks 13th of 572 by median pay.
Percentile breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | vs US median |
|---|---|---|
| 10th | $90,010 | −33.3% |
| 25th | $99,980 | −25.9% |
| Median (50th) | $144,020 | +6.7% |
| 75th | $161,900 | +20.0% |
| 90th | $180,160 | +33.5% |
| Mean | $134,980 | +0.0% |
Other metro areas in Michigan
What the pay is worth locally
Prices in Grand Rapids run 3.8% below the national average, so the median of $144,020 goes as far as $149,709 would elsewhere in the country. Measured that way it compares to the national median at 10.9% above the national median in real terms.
Published median
$144,020as reported by BLSLocal price level
96.2US average = 100 · BEA 2024Adjusted for local prices
$149,709US average = 100 · BEA 2024Key takeaways
- Median pay is $144,020 a year, 6.7% above the national median.
- Published pay spans $90,010 to $180,160 between the tenth and ninetieth percentiles.
- The highest-paying metro area covered is Detroit, at $128,960.
Frequently asked questions
What is the median wage for Aerospace Engineers in Grand Rapids, MI?
The median annual wage is $144,020, or $69.24 per hour, as of May 2025. Half of the workers in this occupation earn more than that and half earn less.
Is that higher than the national average?
The national median for this occupation is $134,960, so pay in Grand Rapids, MI is 6.7% higher. These figures are medians, not averages: half of workers fall on each side.
What do the top earners make?
The top tenth of this occupation in Grand Rapids, MI earns more than $180,160 per year. The ninetieth percentile is the highest figure the survey publishes.
What is the starting range?
The tenth percentile wage is $90,010 per year. The survey measures wages actually paid rather than experience level, so this reflects the lowest-paid tenth rather than entry-level pay specifically.
Which area nearby pays the most?
The highest median for this occupation among the metro areas covered is in Detroit, at $128,960 per year.
Source and methodology
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 Wages are for wage-and-salary workers; self-employed workers are not included. Salary Explorer is an independent project. It is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics or any government agency. Full methodology.
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