Aerospace Engineer Salary in Texas in 2026
Texas is the second-largest aerospace employment hub in the United States, behind only California. With NASA's Johnson Space Center, major defense contractors, and a growing commercial space presence, the state offers aerospace engineers a rare combination: competitive salaries, no state income tax, and a cost of living that stretches each paycheck further than coastal alternatives. This guide covers 2026 salary data for aerospace engineers across Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Antonio, and Austin.
Why Texas stands out for aerospace pay
The no-state-income-tax advantage in Texas is worth real money. An aerospace engineer earning $140,000 in Texas takes home roughly $8,000 to $10,000 more per year than an identically paid engineer in California, where the top marginal state rate exceeds 13 percent. When combined with lower housing costs in most Texas metros, the effective purchasing power advantage is even greater.
| Factor | Texas | California | Washington State |
|---|---|---|---|
| State income tax | 0% | Up to 13.3% | 0% |
| Median home price (2026) | $330,000 | $750,000 | $580,000 |
| Cost-of-living index (100 = national avg) | 92-105 | 140-170 | 110-150 |
| Aerospace engineer median salary | $136,000 | $148,000 | $147,000 |
Houston: NASA, Boeing, and the Johnson Space Center corridor
Houston is the epicenter of Texas aerospace. NASA's Johnson Space Center (JSC) employs thousands of engineers directly as civil servants and supports an even larger contractor workforce across the Clear Lake area.
Key employers in Houston
- NASA Johnson Space Center: Civil servant engineers on GS-11 through GS-15 scales. A GS-12 Step 5 engineer in the Houston locality earns approximately $106,000 after the 35 percent Houston locality adjustment. Senior GS-15 engineers reach $160,000 to $176,000. Read our NASA salary guide for details.
- Boeing: Supports the International Space Station and Starliner programs at JSC-adjacent facilities. Engineers earn $90,000 to $170,000 depending on level.
- Lockheed Martin: Operates Orion program offices near JSC. Mid-career engineers earn $115,000 to $145,000.
- Jacobs Engineering: Major NASA contractor for JSC operations. Engineers earn $85,000 to $140,000.
- KBR: Supports ISS operations and astronaut training. Engineering salaries range from $90,000 to $150,000.
| Houston Employer | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| NASA (civil servant) | $68,000 – $85,000 (GS-7/9) | $95,000 – $130,000 (GS-12/13) | $140,000 – $176,000 (GS-14/15) |
| Boeing | $85,000 – $100,000 | $115,000 – $150,000 | $150,000 – $180,000 |
| Lockheed Martin | $82,000 – $95,000 | $110,000 – $145,000 | $145,000 – $175,000 |
| NASA contractors (KBR, Jacobs) | $75,000 – $92,000 | $100,000 – $135,000 | $135,000 – $165,000 |
Cost of living in Houston
The Houston metro has a cost-of-living index of approximately 96, meaning it is slightly below the national average. The Clear Lake and League City neighborhoods near JSC offer affordable housing with median home prices around $310,000 to $370,000. This makes Houston one of the best value propositions for aerospace engineers anywhere in the country.
Dallas-Fort Worth: defense contractors and rotorcraft
The DFW metroplex is home to major defense installations and manufacturers, making it a significant hub for aerospace engineers focused on military aircraft and advanced systems.
Key employers in DFW
- Lockheed Martin Aeronautics: The Fort Worth plant is the production hub for the F-35 Lightning II, employing thousands of engineers. Mid-career engineers earn $120,000 to $150,000.
- Bell (Textron): Headquartered in Fort Worth, Bell designs and manufactures rotorcraft including the V-280 Valor tiltrotor. Aerospace engineers earn $90,000 to $155,000.
- L3Harris Technologies: Operates facilities in the DFW area focused on avionics and electronic warfare. Engineers earn $88,000 to $145,000.
- Elbit Systems of America: Defense electronics and ISR systems. Engineers earn $85,000 to $140,000.
| DFW Employer | Entry Level | Mid-Career | Senior |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lockheed Martin Aeronautics | $82,000 – $98,000 | $120,000 – $150,000 | $150,000 – $180,000 |
| Bell (Textron) | $80,000 – $95,000 | $105,000 – $140,000 | $140,000 – $165,000 |
| L3Harris Technologies | $78,000 – $92,000 | $100,000 – $138,000 | $138,000 – $160,000 |
Cost of living in DFW
The Dallas-Fort Worth area has a cost-of-living index of approximately 103, just above the national average. Housing costs are higher than Houston and San Antonio but remain far below coastal markets. The DFW metro also offers a large airport hub that simplifies travel for engineers who support multiple program sites.
San Antonio: Boeing, SWRI, and military programs
San Antonio combines military installations with civilian research to create a smaller but meaningful aerospace engineering market.
Key employers in San Antonio
- Boeing: Operates sustainment and training programs for military aircraft at Joint Base San Antonio (JBSA). Engineers earn $85,000 to $155,000.
- Southwest Research Institute (SwRI): A nonprofit R&D organization that performs spacecraft instrument development, propulsion testing, and planetary science research. Engineers earn $80,000 to $140,000.
- Booz Allen Hamilton: Provides technical and consulting services at JBSA-Lackland. Engineers earn $85,000 to $145,000.
- USAF / Space Force civilian roles: Military installations employ civilian aerospace engineers on the GS scale with San Antonio locality pay of approximately 28 percent.
Cost of living in San Antonio
San Antonio has a cost-of-living index of approximately 88, making it one of the most affordable major metros in Texas. Aerospace engineers here benefit from low housing costs (median home price around $280,000) while earning solid salaries, resulting in strong purchasing power.
Austin: emerging tech-aerospace crossover
Austin is not a traditional aerospace city, but its booming tech economy has attracted several space-adjacent companies and created opportunities for aerospace engineers with software and systems expertise.
Key employers in Austin
- Firefly Aerospace: Headquartered in Cedar Park (north Austin), Firefly develops the Alpha launch vehicle and spacecraft. Engineers earn $90,000 to $160,000.
- The University of Texas at Austin: The Cockrell School of Engineering's aerospace department supports research positions and collaborations with NASA and DoD.
- Defense tech startups: Austin's growing defense technology sector includes companies focused on autonomous systems, sensor fusion, and satellite analytics.
| Texas Metro | Median Aerospace Salary | Cost-of-Living Index | Primary Sectors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houston | $138,000 | 96 | NASA, civil space, ISS |
| Dallas-Fort Worth | $134,000 | 103 | Defense, military aircraft |
| San Antonio | $118,000 | 88 | Military sustainment, R&D |
| Austin | $125,000 | 110 | Launch vehicles, defense tech |
The no-income-tax advantage in practice
To illustrate the Texas tax advantage, consider an aerospace engineer earning $140,000 per year. Here is the approximate state tax liability in several aerospace-heavy states:
| State | Annual Salary | State Tax Owed | Net State Tax Savings vs. California |
|---|---|---|---|
| Texas | $140,000 | $0 | $11,800 |
| Washington | $140,000 | $0 | $11,800 |
| Florida | $140,000 | $0 | $11,800 |
| Colorado | $140,000 | $6,160 | $5,640 |
| Virginia | $140,000 | $7,570 | $4,230 |
| California | $140,000 | $11,800 | $0 (baseline) |
That $11,800 annual tax savings in Texas compounds significantly over a career. Over ten years, it represents over $118,000 in additional retained earnings before considering investment growth.
How to land aerospace engineering jobs in Texas
- Target major hiring cycles. Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and NASA contractors typically ramp up hiring in Q1 and Q3 each year. Monitor our space industry job board for new postings.
- Consider clearance timing. Many DFW and San Antonio roles require Secret or TS/SCI clearances. Starting the clearance process early, or maintaining an existing clearance, gives you a major advantage.
- Leverage relocation packages. Most large employers offer $5,000 to $20,000 in relocation assistance for moves to Texas. Some include temporary housing and house-hunting trips.
- Network through local AIAA chapters. The Houston and DFW sections of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics hold regular events that connect job seekers with hiring managers.
Explore aerospace engineering jobs in Texas to see current openings across all four major metros.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average aerospace engineer salary in Texas in 2026?
The average aerospace engineer salary in Texas is approximately $136,000 per year in 2026. Houston tends to pay the highest due to NASA and its supporting contractor ecosystem, while San Antonio offers the lowest salaries but also the lowest cost of living.
Does the no state income tax in Texas really make a difference?
Yes, significantly. An engineer earning $140,000 saves approximately $7,000 to $12,000 per year compared to states like California or Virginia. Over a full career, this advantage amounts to hundreds of thousands of dollars in additional take-home pay.
Is Houston or Dallas better for aerospace engineers?
It depends on your focus area. Houston is better for civil space, NASA-related work, and human spaceflight programs. Dallas-Fort Worth is stronger for military aircraft, defense systems, and tactical aviation. Both cities offer competitive salaries and reasonable living costs.
What aerospace companies are in Austin, Texas?
Firefly Aerospace (Cedar Park) is the largest dedicated space company in the Austin area. The city also hosts a growing number of defense technology startups and has a strong university research ecosystem through UT Austin. However, Houston and DFW have significantly more aerospace job openings.
Can I work at NASA in Texas without a security clearance?
Yes. Many NASA civil servant positions at Johnson Space Center do not require a security clearance, though they do require U.S. citizenship. Contractor positions supporting NASA may also be uncleared depending on the program. Defense-focused roles at JBSA in San Antonio are more likely to require clearances.
