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Aerospace Engineering Salary: Legal Minimums, Award Rates, and What the Data Shows

No official median salary is published for aerospace engineers; the legal minimum is the national minimum wage of $26.44 per hour ($1,004.90 per week) from 1 July 2026, with super on top.

Understanding the Aerospace Engineering Salary in Australia

When researching an aerospace engineering salary in Australia, it is important to distinguish between the legal minimum you must be paid and the typical market rate. This guide explains the pay floor set by the Fair Work Commission, how modern awards can require higher rates, and what the official data does—and does not—tell us about average earnings.

The Legal Minimum: National Minimum Wage

For any employee not covered by a modern award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies. From the first full pay period on or after 1 July 2026, the rate is:

  • $26.44 per hour (ordinary time)
  • $1,004.90 per week (based on a 38-hour ordinary week)
  • $33.05 per hour for casual employees (includes 25% casual loading)

This is the absolute floor. Your employer cannot pay you less than this unless you are a junior, apprentice, trainee, or on a supported wage—each of which has specific lower rates. For award-free juniors, the percentages of the adult rate apply (e.g., 18-year-olds receive 68.3% = $18.06 per hour).

Award Coverage for Aerospace Engineers

Most aerospace engineers are likely covered by a modern award. The most relevant is the Professional Employees Award 2020, which covers employees who perform professional engineering duties. Under this award, minimum salaries are structured by classification level (e.g., Engineer Level 1, Level 2) and are generally higher than the national minimum wage. The Fair Work Commission's Modern Awards Pay Database contains the current classification rates, but the exact figures depend on your role, experience, and location.

If you are unsure which award applies, use the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool. Your employer may also have an enterprise agreement that sets rates above the award. Remember: the award or agreement can only set a higher rate, never a lower one than the national minimum.

What the Official Data Shows

Jobs and Skills Australia (JSA) publishes occupation profiles based on ABS data. For Aeronautical Engineers (ANZSCO 233911)—the closest classification to aerospace engineering—the most recent profile (2021 Census) reports:

  • 1,400 employed nationally
  • 91% work full-time
  • Average full-time hours: 42 per week
  • Median age: 37 years
  • Female share: 11%

Crucially, median weekly earnings are not published for this six-digit occupation. The ABS does not release a reliable median due to the small sample size. This means any figure you see online for an “average aerospace engineering salary” is likely from a private survey or recruitment site, not an official source. Treat such figures as indicative only.

For context, the ABS May 2026 data shows full-time adult ordinary-time earnings across all occupations of $2,083.70 per week. But this average includes managers and senior professionals; it is not a target for individual roles.

Superannuation: An Employer Payment on Top

When discussing any salary, remember that superannuation is an additional cost your employer bears. The Super Guarantee rate is 12% of your ordinary time earnings, paid into your super fund. For example, on a $1,004.90 weekly wage, your employer contributes an extra $120.59. This is not deducted from your pay—it is on top.

Tax and Take-Home Pay

Your gross salary is subject to Pay As You Go (PAYG) withholding and the Medicare levy (2% once annualised ordinary gross exceeds $30,000). Using the 2026–27 tax rates with the full tax-free threshold, a single adult earning the national minimum wage of $52,254.80 per year would have an estimated weekly take-home pay of around $844 after tax and Medicare. This is a rough guide; your actual tax depends on your circumstances, including any HELP debt or tax offsets.

How to Find Your Correct Pay Rate

  1. Check your award – Use the Fair Work Ombudsman’s online tools or the Fair Work Commission’s Modern Awards Pay Database.
  2. Look for an enterprise agreement – Your employer may have a registered agreement that sets higher rates.
  3. Consult your employment contract – It should state your classification and base salary.
  4. Ask your employer – They are required to provide a pay slip showing your rate and any allowances.

For more details on which minimum wage applies to you, visit our Which minimum wage applies guide. You can also browse our Rate tables for the national minimum and junior rates.

Summary

  • The legal minimum for an award-free aerospace engineer is $26.44/hour (adult, full-time).
  • Most aerospace engineers are covered by an award or agreement that sets a higher rate.
  • No official median salary is available; use industry surveys with caution.
  • Superannuation of 12% is paid on top of your gross salary.
  • Always verify your pay against the correct award or agreement.

If you have further questions, see the FAQs below or explore our Guides for more on pay calculations.

Questions people ask next

What is the minimum wage for an aerospace engineer in Australia?

If you are an aerospace engineer not covered by an award or registered agreement, the national minimum wage applies: $26.44 per hour or $1,004.90 per week from 1 July 2026. However, most aerospace engineers are likely covered by a modern award (such as the Professional Employees Award) or an enterprise agreement, which may set higher minimum rates. Always check your specific award or agreement using the Fair Work Ombudsman's Pay and Conditions Tool.

Do aerospace engineers receive superannuation on top of their salary?

Yes. Under the Superannuation Guarantee, employers must pay an additional 12% of ordinary time earnings into your super fund. This is on top of your gross salary or wage. For example, if your base salary is $1,004.90 per week, your employer would contribute an extra $120.59 to super. The super guarantee rate is legislated and applies to most employees.

Why isn't there a published median salary for aerospace engineers?

The Australian Bureau of Statistics and Jobs and Skills Australia do not publish median weekly earnings for six-digit ANZSCO occupations like Aeronautical Engineers (233911) due to high relative standard error or small sample sizes. The most recent data (2021 Census) shows 1,400 employed, but no reliable median figure is available. For a personalised estimate, consult industry salary surveys, professional bodies, or your employer's enterprise agreement.

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