What is the starting salary for Aerospace Engineering graduates in Philadelphia?

The estimated starting salary for Aerospace Engineering graduates in Philadelphia, PA is $120,000 per year, adjusted for the local cost of living index of 150. The national average starting salary for this major is $80,000. Salaries in Philadelphia are 50% higher than the national average due to cost of living differences.

Is a Aerospace Engineering degree worth it in Philadelphia?

A Aerospace Engineering degree in Philadelphia has an estimated ROI payback period of 2.3 years, with a projected lifetime return of $1,317,340 after subtracting education costs. With 42 colleges in the area and average public tuition of $18,526/year, Philadelphia offers competitive options for this degree. The local unemployment rate of 4.5% and the major's national unemployment rate of 2.2% should also factor into your decision.

How much does it cost to study Aerospace Engineering in Philadelphia?

The average annual public university tuition in Philadelphia is $18,526, while private universities average $59,845/year. Including room and board ($19,639/year), total 4-year costs range from $152,660 at a public school to $317,936 at a private institution. Average financial aid per student in Philadelphia is $10,866/year.

What jobs can Aerospace Engineering graduates get in Philadelphia?

Aerospace Engineering graduates in Philadelphia can pursue careers as Aerospace Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Systems Engineer. Key skills valued by local employers include Aerodynamics, Propulsion, Orbital Mechanics, CAD/FEA. The Philadelphia job market features Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors among the top hiring sectors for this field. National top employers include Boeing, Lockheed Martin, SpaceX.

How long to pay off student loans for Aerospace Engineering in Philadelphia?

With a standard 10-year repayment plan at 6.5% interest, Aerospace Engineering graduates in Philadelphia would pay $1,733/month on an estimated $152,660 in loans, with $55,351 in total interest. An aggressive 5-year plan would require $2,987/month but save $28,793 in interest. With a COL-adjusted starting salary of $120,000, monthly payments would represent 17% of gross monthly income.

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Philadelphia, PA — Salary & ROI 2026

Aerospace Engineering degree analysis for Philadelphia, PA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.

Starting Salary

$120K

COL-adjusted

Mid-Career

$173K

COL-adjusted

ROI Payback

2.3 yrs

in Philadelphia

Cost of Living

150

index (100 = avg)

Aerospace Engineering in Philadelphia, PA Overview

Philadelphia is one of Pennsylvania's top college towns, with 42 institutions and a student population of 116,806. Public tuition averages $18,526/year here — near the national average for public universities. Aerospace Engineering has seen growing enrollment nationally, reflecting rising employer demand for Aerodynamics and Propulsion skills. The adjusted starting salary in Philadelphia is approximately $120,000.

Aerospace Engineering Salary in Philadelphia (COL-Adjusted)

Salaries adjusted for Philadelphia's cost of living index of 150 (national average = 100).

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)

$120,000(+$40,000 vs national)

Mid Career (5-9 yrs)

$172,500(+$57,500 vs national)

Senior Level (15+ yrs)

$217,500(+$72,500 vs national)

Note: National average Aerospace Engineering salary: $80,000 starting, $115,000 mid-career, $145,000 senior level.Philadelphia adjustment factor: 1.50x based on the local cost of living index.

Aerospace Engineering ROI Calculator for Philadelphia

Estimate your return on investment for a Aerospace Engineering degree using local Philadelphia tuition and cost of living data.

Annual Tuition ($)

Public avg: $18,526 | Private avg: $59,845

Years of Study

Annual Financial Aid ($)

Philadelphia avg aid: $10,866/yr

Student Loan Rate (%)

Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%

Total Education Cost

$152,660

tuition + room & board - aid

Annual Earnings Premium

$67,500

vs HS diploma in Philadelphia

ROI Payback Period

2.3 years

to break even

Lifetime Return in Philadelphia

$1,317,340

Lifetime earnings premium ($1,470,000) minus total education cost ($152,660)

Student Loan Payoff for Aerospace Engineering in Philadelphia

Standard Plan (10 years)

Loan Amount$152,660

Monthly Payment$1,733

Total Interest$55,351

% of Monthly Income17%

Aggressive Plan (5 years)

Loan Amount$152,660

Monthly Payment$2,987

Total Interest$26,558

Interest Savings$28,793

Colleges in Philadelphia for Aerospace Engineering

University of Pennsylvania

private

$63,452/yr

$253,808 total

Temple University

public

$18,526/yr

$74,104 total

Drexel University

private

$56,238/yr

$224,952 total

Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)

Community College of Philadelphia

$6,378/yr

Top Employers for Aerospace Engineering in Philadelphia

Philadelphia offers opportunities in Engineering firms, Manufacturing, Defense contractors for Aerospace Engineering graduates. National top employers in this field include:

BoeingLockheed MartinSpaceXNorthrop GrummanNASA

Key Philadelphia Hiring Sectors for Engineering

Engineering firms

Manufacturing

Defense contractors

Energy companies

Construction firms

Common Aerospace Engineering Job Titles

Aerospace EngineerFlight Test EngineerSystems Engineer

Aerospace Engineering in Nearby Pennsylvania Cities

Pittsburgh, PA

$92K starting · COL 115

12 colleges

Allentown, PA

$90K starting · COL 113

5 colleges

Reading, PA

$94K starting · COL 118

3 colleges

Erie, PA

$96K starting · COL 120

4 colleges

Upper Darby, PA

$76K starting · COL 94.5

4 colleges

Scranton, PA

$96K starting · COL 120

8 colleges

Bethlehem, PA

$100K starting · COL 125

7 colleges

Lower Merion, PA

$73K starting · COL 91.4

3 colleges

Other Engineering Majors in Philadelphia

Petroleum Engineering

$75K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Computer Engineering

$75K starting · 3 yr ROI

Chemical Engineering

$123K starting · 3.2 yr ROI

Nuclear Engineering

$75K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Electrical Engineering

$120K starting · 3.3 yr ROI

Mechanical Engineering

$117K starting · 3.5 yr ROI

Mining Engineering

$75K starting · 3 yr ROI

Architectural Engineering

$117K starting · 2.5 yr ROI

Methodology & Education Data Sources

How we calculate Aerospace Engineering degree outcomes in Philadelphia, PA: Our salary projections, ROI estimates, and tuition data combine multiple federal datasets to provide a localized view of education economics. We use a 10-year career-trajectory model standard in higher education research.

Tuition data sourced from IPEDS (Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System), the federal education statistics database operated by NCES. Average tuition for Aerospace Engineering programs reflects 4-year public/private weighted averages for Pennsylvania.
Career salary projections based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, with cost-of-living adjustments for Philadelphia using regional CPI data.
10-year ROI calculates: (Total Career Earnings With Degree) − (Total Career Earnings Without Degree) − (Total Education Cost Including Interest on Loans).
Job market outlook for Aerospace Engineering graduates uses BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook 10-year projections (2024-2034 base period).
Default rates and loan data sourced from College Scorecard (US Department of Education), which tracks repayment outcomes by institution.

Authoritative US education data sources:

IPEDS — Integrated Postsecondary Education Data — official federal college data
College Scorecard (US Dept of Education) — earnings, debt, completion rates
BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook — Aerospace Engineering career projections
Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) — official US student loan and grant info
NCES Digest of Education Statistics — comprehensive education data
BLS Occupational Employment and Wages — entry-level salary data for Aerospace Engineering grads

Education Disclaimer: Salary and ROI estimates are projections based on national and state-level averages. Individual outcomes depend on institution prestige, GPA, internships, location, network, and economic conditions. Always verify current tuition with the institution directly, and consult a financial aid counselor before taking on student loans. Use the Federal Loan Simulator to model repayment scenarios.

Reviewed by Brazora Monk · Last updated 2026 · IPEDS & BLS data current as of latest annual release

Financial Aid Resources for Philadelphia Students

Beyond federal aid (FAFSA), Pennsylvania students have access to state-specific grants, scholarships, and tuition assistance programs. The 2026-27 FAFSA also added a new Low Earnings Indicator (Dec 2025) flagging programs where graduates earn less than non-college peers — check your target school's status:

📋 Federal Aid (FAFSA)

Pell Grant up to $7,395/yr (2026-27). Subsidized loans at 6.53% (academic year 25-26):

🏛️ State Grants (Pennsylvania)

State-specific grants stack with federal aid:

• USA.gov — Pennsylvania programs
• NASFAA — State Aid Programs
• Search "pennsylvania higher education commission grants"

🎓 College Outcomes Data

Verify earnings + debt before enrolling:

• College Scorecard — earnings, debt, completion
• NCES College Navigator
• IPEDS Net Price Calculator Center

💰 Scholarship Search

Free, official, scam-free scholarship databases:

2026-27 FAFSA tip: The new Low Earnings Indicator flags programs where graduates earn less than non-graduates. Check this before enrolling. Speak with a NASFAA-credentialed financial aid counselor at your target school.

Aerospace Engineering Degree in Philadelphia — FAQ

Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.

Explore More

Compare Aerospace Engineering ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Philadelphia.

Aerospace Engineering Overview Colleges in Philadelphia All Majors