Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Oakland, CA

Oakland, California$162,750 USD/yearFull-timeTech Hub
Updated: April 2026Expert reviewed|Data sourced from BLS, Glassdoor, and industry reports

About Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Oakland

Looking for a Aerospace Engineer job in Oakland? You're in the right place. This guide covers everything you need to know about working as a Aerospace Engineer in Oakland, CA.

We'll show you what you can expect to earn. We'll also share which companies are hiring. Plus, you'll learn about the cost of living and how to get started in your job search.

Oakland has a strong job market for Aerospace Engineers. Many employers are actively looking for talent. Read on to learn how to land your next role.

Aerospace Engineer Salary in Oakland

Entry Level
$105,400
Median
$162,750
Senior Level
$231,725

Aerospace Engineer salaries in Oakland are 55% above the national average, reflecting the high cost of living.

Purchasing power in Oakland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

Required Skills

AerodynamicsCADSystems EngineeringTestingPropulsion

Aerospace Engineer Job Market in Oakland

Oakland, CA is a growing job market with increasing opportunities for Aerospace Engineer professionals. Though smaller than coastal metros, Oakland offers focused opportunities and often better work-life balance. While Technology leads the local economy, there's growing demand for Aerospace Engineer roles across various sectors. The market for Aerospace Engineer positions remains stable, with opportunities in both established companies and growing organizations.

Top Companies Hiring Aerospace Engineers in Oakland

Local governmentRegional employersNational companies

Major employers hiring Aerospace Engineers in Oakland include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. Many companies offer competitive benefits including comprehensive healthcare, and professional development opportunities.

Cost of Living for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland

Living in Oakland as a Aerospace Engineer means navigating a cost of living that's significantly above the national average (155% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. At median Aerospace Engineer salary, housing is quite affordable at 13% of gross income, leaving room for savings and lifestyle spending. Suburban apartments average $1,400/month, offering significant savings with slightly longer commutes.

155
Cost Index (100=avg)
$1.8K
Avg Rent/Month
Yes
Tech Hub
Tier 3
Market Size

Commuting as a Aerospace Engineer in Oakland

Oakland Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute time is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services. Consider living close to your workplace. Since transit options are limited, consider living close to your workplace or negotiating flexible hours to avoid peak traffic.

Best neighborhoods for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland: Downtown (Central business district with tech companies); Tech Park/Campus (Suburban office park developments). Downtown is particularly popular among Aerospace Engineer professionals due to proximity to major employers and urban amenities.

Tax Considerations in California

California has relatively high state income taxes. A Aerospace Engineer earning $162,750 might pay approximately $13,020 in state income tax. However, California's strong job market and quality of life often offset the higher tax burden.

Career Outlook for Aerospace Engineers

The job outlook for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland is stable. While not experiencing rapid growth, the field maintains steady demand with consistent opportunities for qualified professionals. While the market is smaller, Oakland offers opportunities for those seeking specialized roles or better work-life balance. In-demand skills include Aerodynamics, CAD, Systems Engineering, Testing.

Relocating to Oakland

Oakland has a very high cost of living. Many Aerospace Engineers negotiate relocation packages or sign-on bonuses to offset moving costs. California has higher state income taxes. Factor this into salary negotiations, as gross salary comparisons can be misleading.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Aerospace Engineer salary in Oakland, CA?

The average Aerospace Engineer salary in Oakland, CA is $162,750 per year. Entry-level Aerospace Engineers typically start around $105,400, while experienced professionals can earn $231,725 or more. The national average for Aerospace Engineer roles is $105,000.

How many Aerospace Engineer jobs are available in Oakland?

Oakland has a growing job market with steady opportunities for Aerospace Engineer professionals. Major employers hiring Aerospace Engineers include Local government, Regional employers, National companies. The Technology and Healthcare sectors drive much of the demand in this market.

Is Oakland a good city for Aerospace Engineers?

Oakland is an excellent choice for Aerospace Engineers. While not as large as coastal metros, it offers solid opportunities and often better work-life balance. However, be aware of the higher cost of living when evaluating offers. The city's technology industry creates strong demand for engineering professionals.

What skills are most in-demand for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland?

Top skills for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland include Aerodynamics, CAD, Systems Engineering, Testing, Propulsion. Employers value both technical expertise and soft skills like communication and teamwork.

What is the cost of living for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland?

Oakland's cost of living is significantly above the national average (155% of baseline). Average rent for a 1-bedroom apartment is approximately $1,800/month. Purchasing power in Oakland is comparable to the national average, with salaries appropriately scaled to local costs.

How is the commute for Aerospace Engineers in Oakland?

Oakland Limited public transit options; car recommended for most commutes. The average commute is 25 minutes. Research employer-specific shuttle services.

More Engineering Jobs in Oakland