How Much Do Propulsion Engineer Make?
How much do propulsion engineer make? Discover the average salary, base salary, and compensation for propulsion engineer in the engineering category. Learn about propulsion engineer pay per hour, per week, per month, and per annum with detailed salary ranges from $75,000 to $120,000.
How Much Do Propulsion Engineer Make? Complete Salary Guide
How much do propulsion engineer make? This is one of the most common questions in career planning. Propulsion Engineer in the Engineering field can expect to earn an average salary of $120,000 per year, with entry-level positions starting at $75,000 and experienced professionals earning up to $120,000 annually.
When breaking down the average salary of propulsion engineer by time periods, propulsion engineer typically make around $10,000 per month and approximately $2,307.692 per week. The basic salary of propulsion engineer varies significantly based on experience level, location, and industry specialization. Entry-level propulsion engineer typically start with a base salary of $75,000, while mid-career professionals earn an average of $95,000, and senior-level roles can command salaries exceeding $120,000.
The salary landscape for propulsion engineer is influenced by several key factors including geographic location, years of experience, educational background, and specific industry demands. How much do propulsion engineer make in a week? On average, this translates to approximately $2,307.692 per week. How much do propulsion engineer make per annum? The annual salary range spans from $70,000 to $130,000, with the median salary sitting at $120,000. Additionally, many propulsion engineer receive bonuses averaging $10,000 annually, representing approximately 10.25% of their base salary.
How Much Do Propulsion Engineer Get Paid Per Annum? Propulsion Engineer Salary
Annual salary data for propulsion engineer across different experience levels, showing entry-level, mid-career, and experienced professional compensation ranges based on industry standards.
Entry Level Annual Salary
Mid-Career Annual Salary
Experienced Annual Salary
How Much Do Propulsion Engineer Get Paid in a Month? Propulsion Engineer Monthly Salary
Monthly salary breakdowns for propulsion engineer at different career stages, providing practical budgeting insights and compensation expectations for financial planning.
Entry Level Monthly Salary
Mid-Career Monthly Salary
Experienced Monthly Salary
How Much Do Propulsion Engineer Get Paid in Different Locations?
Geographic salary variations for propulsion engineer across different cities and regions, including cost of living adjustments and regional market demand factors that impact compensation.
Propulsion Engineer Salary Trends
Historical salary progression for propulsion engineer over the past years, showing year-over-year compensation growth and market trends in the industry.
Propulsion Engineer Salary Trends (2020 - 2025)
Bonus & Compensation Package
Additional compensation beyond base salary, including bonuses, commissions, and overtime opportunities that contribute to total annual earnings.
Bonus Percentage
of annual salary
Bonuses for Propulsion Engineers are often based on project performance, individual contributions, company profitability, and meeting specific engineering milestones.
Average Bonus
annually
Commission
Propulsion Engineer roles generally do not include commission; however, some companies may offer performance bonuses or incentives based on project success and individual contributions.
Overtime
Overtime pay for Propulsion Engineers is common, especially during peak project phases or tight deadlines, reflecting the demanding nature of aerospace and engineering work.
Employee Benefits Package
Comprehensive benefits and perks provided to employees, including health coverage, retirement plans, time off policies, and professional development opportunities.
Comprehensive Benefits
Typical benefits for a Propulsion Engineer include health insurance, retirement plans like 401k, paid time off (PTO), flexible work schedules, professional development opportunities, and performance bonuses.
Propulsion Engineer Job Overview
Comprehensive details about the propulsion engineer role including daily responsibilities, work environment, physical demands, and key tasks that define this career path.
About This Role
A Propulsion Engineer designs, develops, and tests propulsion systems for aircraft, spacecraft, and vehicles. They analyze performance metrics, optimize efficiency, and ensure safety standards are met. Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams, they apply advanced engineering principles to innovate solutions that drive technology forward in aerospace and automotive industries.
Primary Responsibilities
Designing propulsion systems, conducting performance analysis, testing prototypes, optimizing fuel efficiency, ensuring compliance with safety regulations, collaborating with cross-functional teams, troubleshooting issues, documenting technical specifications, conducting research on new technologies.
Day-to-Day Tasks
A Propulsion Engineer designs, tests, and analyzes propulsion systems, collaborates with multidisciplinary teams, conducts simulations, troubleshoots issues, and ensures compliance with safety standards while staying updated on technological advancements.
Work Environment
Hybrid
Propulsion Engineers typically work in labs or offices, collaborating with teams, using advanced technology, and ensuring safety and efficiency.
Physical Demands
High
Propulsion Engineers often work in labs or on-site, requiring safety gear, ability to lift equipment, and sometimes working in confined spaces or extreme temperatures.
Propulsion Engineer Requirements & Prerequisites
Essential qualifications and credentials needed to pursue a career as a propulsion engineer, including educational background, certifications, and experience requirements.
Education
Bachelor’s degree.
Field: Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Systems Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mathematics, Computer Science.
Experience
4 years
Employers seek propulsion engineers with hands-on experience in design, testing, and analysis of propulsion systems, proficiency in simulation software, strong problem-solving skills, and a solid understanding of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics.
Certifications
Professional Engineer (PE) license, Certified Propulsion Engineer (CPE), Project Management Professional (PMP), Six Sigma Certification, NASA Technical Excellence Program Certification, Aerospace Engineering Accreditation Board (AEAB) certification.
Required Skills
Analytical thinking, problem-solving, strong mathematical skills, proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software, knowledge of thermodynamics and fluid dynamics, project management, teamwork and collaboration, attention to detail.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills
Propulsion Engineer Career Path
Professional progression opportunities for propulsion engineer from entry-level to senior management, including typical career advancement timeline and role evolution.
Entry Level
Aerospace Engineering Technician, Mechanical Engineering Intern, Propulsion Systems Analyst.
Early-career Propulsion Engineers design, test, and analyze propulsion systems for aircraft and spacecraft, ensuring efficiency, safety, and compliance with industry standards while collaborating on innovative projects.
Mid-Career
Aerospace Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Systems Engineer
Mid-career Propulsion Engineers design, test, and optimize propulsion systems, manage projects, collaborate with teams, ensure compliance with regulations, and mentor junior engineers in technical skills.
Senior Management
Chief Propulsion Engineer, Senior Propulsion Systems Manager, Director of Propulsion Engineering.
Senior Propulsion Engineers oversee design, development, testing, and optimization of propulsion systems, ensuring performance, safety, and compliance while leading teams and managing projects effectively.
Career Progression Timeline
Timeline: 10 years
A Propulsion Engineer typically starts as a junior engineer, advancing to senior roles and project management positions, eventually specializing in leadership or research within aerospace industries.
Propulsion Engineer Industry & Growth
Market outlook and growth prospects for propulsion engineer, including industry trends, job market demand, and factors influencing career opportunities and advancement.
Job Outlook
Faster than average
Projected: 2024–2034
Industry Trends
Increased focus on sustainable and eco-friendly propulsion systems, advancements in electric and hybrid propulsion technologies, integration of artificial intelligence and automation in design and testing processes.
Growth Factors
Growing space exploration, advancements in electric propulsion, increased defense spending, and the push for sustainable aviation technologies are driving demand for Propulsion Engineers.
Future Opportunities
Electric propulsion systems, advanced materials for aerospace, space tourism technologies, hypersonic travel innovations, and sustainable fuel development are emerging niches for propulsion engineers.
Propulsion Engineer Related Professions
Alternative career paths and similar roles for propulsion engineer, including career transitions, related positions, and advancement opportunities within the field.
Similar Roles
Career Alternatives
Upgrade Paths
Related Entry Roles
Propulsion Engineer Skills & Development
Essential skills and professional development resources for propulsion engineer, including technical abilities, soft skills, recommended courses, and ongoing learning opportunities.
Technical Skills
Soft Skills Needed
Recommended Certifications
Recommended Courses
Development Resources
Training Timeline
Estimated training time
Frequently Asked Questions About Propulsion Engineer Salary
Common questions and answers about pursuing a career as a propulsion engineer, covering qualifications, salary expectations, career prospects, and practical career guidance.
What qualifications are needed to become a propulsion engineer?
A bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field is typically required.
What is the average salary of a propulsion engineer?
The average salary ranges from $80,000 to $120,000 per year depending on experience and location.
What skills are essential for a propulsion engineer?
Key skills include strong analytical abilities, problem-solving skills, and proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Is a master’s degree necessary for advancement in propulsion engineering?
While not mandatory, a master’s degree can enhance job prospects and lead to higher positions in the field.
What industries employ propulsion engineers?
Propulsion engineers are primarily employed in aerospace manufacturing, defense contracting, and research institutions.
How Much Others Make?
Explore salary data for other professions to compare compensation across different career paths and industries.