Boeing entry level jobs salary in 2026: by role type, location, and degree level
Boeing hires thousands of entry-level employees each year across engineering, manufacturing, information technology, business, and administrative functions. In 2026, as the company ramps commercial aircraft production and advances defense and space programs, the demand for new talent is particularly strong. The salary you can expect depends primarily on three factors: whether you are entering an engineering role versus manufacturing or administrative work, which Boeing location you are placed at, and your educational background.
This guide provides a comprehensive breakdown of Boeing entry-level salaries across all major role categories, locations, and degree levels — plus details on the rotational programs, benefits, and career paths available to new hires in 2026.
Entry-level salary by role type
Boeing's entry-level positions fall into distinct categories, each with its own compensation band:
| Role Category | Typical Entry Titles | 2026 Salary Range | Degree Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering | Associate Engineer, Engineer I | $73,000–$110,000 | BS minimum, MS preferred |
| Software Engineering | Associate SWE, Entry-Level SWE | $80,000–$115,000 | BS in CS/CE/related |
| IT / Cybersecurity | IT Analyst, Cybersecurity Analyst | $62,000–$85,000 | BS in IT/CS/related |
| Manufacturing Engineering | Entry-Level Mfg. Engineer | $70,000–$95,000 | BS in ME/IE/related |
| Manufacturing / Production | Assembly Mechanic, Technician | $42,000–$62,000 | HS diploma / trade cert |
| Business / Finance | Financial Analyst, Business Analyst | $55,000–$75,000 | BS in Finance/Business |
| Supply Chain | Procurement Agent, Supply Chain Analyst | $52,000–$70,000 | BS in SCM/Business |
| Human Resources | HR Coordinator, HR Specialist | $48,000–$65,000 | BS in HR/Business/Psych |
| Administrative | Admin Assistant, Program Support | $38,000–$52,000 | HS diploma, some college |
| Facility / Custodial | Custodian, Facility Worker | $35,000–$45,000 | HS diploma / GED |
The most significant salary divide is between degreed engineering roles and non-degreed manufacturing and administrative positions. An entry-level aerospace engineer starts at roughly 2x the salary of an entry-level assembly mechanic. However, the manufacturing roles offer faster hiring timelines, less educational investment, and at union sites, strong wage growth through contract-guaranteed annual raises.
Some salary sources report an overall Boeing entry-level average of approximately $45,946. This figure blends all entry-level positions — from custodians and production workers to engineers — and does not accurately represent what any specific candidate will earn. Always reference role-specific salary data when evaluating Boeing offers.
Entry-level salary by location
Geographic location significantly affects entry-level compensation at Boeing:
| Location | Entry Engineer (L1) | Entry Mfg. Worker | Cost of Living |
|---|---|---|---|
| Everett/Renton, WA | $82,000–$100,000 | $48,000–$58,000 | High |
| Long Beach / El Segundo, CA | $85,000–$105,000 | $46,000–$56,000 | Very high |
| St. Louis, MO | $73,000–$88,000 | $40,000–$50,000 | Low-moderate |
| Mesa, AZ | $75,000–$90,000 | $42,000–$52,000 | Moderate |
| Huntsville, AL | $72,000–$87,000 | $40,000–$48,000 | Low |
| North Charleston, SC | $72,000–$88,000 | $38,000–$48,000 | Low-moderate |
| Wichita, KS | $70,000–$85,000 | $38,000–$46,000 | Low |
After adjusting for cost of living and state taxes, St. Louis, Huntsville, and Wichita often provide the best purchasing power for entry-level employees. An engineer earning $80,000 in Huntsville (5% state tax, low housing costs) may live as comfortably as one earning $100,000 in the Puget Sound area (no state tax, but housing costs 60–80% higher).
Rotational and development programs
Boeing offers structured development programs for early-career employees that provide accelerated growth and cross-functional exposure:
Engineering Career Foundation Program (ECFP): A 2-year program for new engineering graduates that includes structured mentoring, technical training, and rotational assignments across engineering disciplines. Participants start at L1 and are positioned for accelerated promotion to L2.
Business Career Foundation Program (BCFP): Similar to ECFP but for finance, supply chain, and business operations. Rotations expose participants to different business areas and develop leadership skills.
IT Career Foundation Program: Structured development for new IT and cybersecurity hires with rotations across infrastructure, applications, and security.
Manufacturing Career Foundation Program: Development program for new manufacturing engineers that includes rotations through production, quality, and industrial engineering.
Apprenticeship programs: 3-year apprenticeships in trades including electrician, machinist, and composite fabrication. Apprentices earn while learning and receive full journeyman pay upon completion.
Boeing's rotational development programs pay the same base salary as direct-hire positions at the equivalent level. The advantage is structured career development, mentorship, and the ability to explore different areas of the company before committing to a specialty. These programs are competitive — application typically opens in the fall for the following year's start dates.
Benefits for entry-level employees
Boeing's benefits package starts from day one of employment and is the same regardless of entry-level role (though specific details vary for union vs. non-union employees):
Health insurance: Medical, dental, and vision coverage with Boeing covering approximately 80% of premiums. New hires can choose from multiple plan options including PPO and HMO.
401(k): Boeing matches 75% of contributions up to 8% of salary (6% effective match). At IAM union sites, the new contract provides up to 12% company contribution. The match begins immediately with no vesting period.
Paid time off: 3 weeks of vacation for new salaried employees (15 days), plus 10 paid holidays and sick leave. Hourly employees receive 2 weeks starting.
Tuition reimbursement: Up to $15,000 per year for approved degree programs. Many entry-level employees use this to pursue graduate degrees part-time while working.
Student loan assistance: Boeing offers a student loan repayment benefit to help new graduates manage educational debt.
Relocation: Full relocation packages for entry-level hires who need to move for their position, including temporary housing, moving expenses, and a relocation bonus.
Life and disability insurance: Company-paid basic life insurance (1x salary) and short-term and long-term disability coverage.
Internship to full-time conversion
The most common path to an entry-level engineering job at Boeing starts with an internship:
Internship compensation (2026):
- Engineering interns: $22–$34/hour (depends on year of study and degree level)
- Business interns: $20–$28/hour
- IT interns: $22–$30/hour
Conversion rate: Boeing converts approximately 50–60% of its interns to full-time offers, making internships the single most effective path to a Boeing entry-level position. Interns who receive full-time offers typically get a sign-on bonus of $3,000 to $10,000.
Application timing: Boeing posts summer internship positions from September through January, with most decisions made by March. Applications open at jobs.boeing.com.
How entry-level pay compares
| Company | Entry Engineer Salary | Entry Mfg. Worker | Key Entry Benefit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing | $73K–$110K | $42K–$62K | Tuition reimbursement, rotational programs |
| Lockheed Martin | $72K–$98K | $40K–$55K | ELDP leadership program |
| Northrop Grumman | $72K–$95K | $38K–$52K | 9/80 schedule from day one |
| SpaceX | $85K–$115K | $45K–$60K | Stock options, rapid advancement |
| Blue Origin | $87K–$115K | $40K–$55K | RSU equity, space mission work |
Frequently asked questions
What is the average entry-level salary at Boeing in 2026?
The average entry-level engineering salary at Boeing is approximately $94,910 per year. However, this varies significantly by role type. Engineering positions start at $73,000 to $110,000, while manufacturing and administrative roles start at $38,000 to $62,000. The overall entry-level average across all positions is approximately $45,946.
Does Boeing hire fresh graduates?
Yes. Boeing actively recruits from universities nationwide and offers structured development programs (ECFP, BCFP, IT CFP) designed specifically for new graduates. The company also converts approximately 50–60% of its interns to full-time positions. Application for new graduate positions typically opens in the fall.
What benefits do entry-level Boeing employees get?
Entry-level employees receive the same benefits package as all Boeing employees: medical/dental/vision insurance, 401(k) with company match (up to 6% for non-union, up to 12% at IAM union sites), 3 weeks PTO, 10 paid holidays, up to $15,000/year tuition reimbursement, student loan assistance, relocation support, and life/disability insurance.
Which Boeing location is best for entry-level employees?
It depends on your priorities. Puget Sound (WA) and California offer the highest nominal salaries and access to the most programs. St. Louis offers the best cost-of-living-adjusted compensation for defense-focused roles. Huntsville provides growing space program opportunities with very affordable living. Each location has distinct programs and lifestyle characteristics.
Do I need a master's degree for an entry-level Boeing engineering job?
No. A bachelor's degree is sufficient for L1 engineering positions. However, a master's degree typically results in a $10,000 to $15,000 higher starting salary and may place you at a higher step within the L1 band. Ph.D. holders often start at L2, bypassing the entry level entirely.
Explore Boeing entry-level positions or read more about Boeing entry-level salary details and Boeing entry-level software engineer roles.
