The Highest Paying Jobs in Aerospace

The industry isn’t just reaching for the skies, it’s redefining them. With cutting-edge innovation and high-stakes problem-solving, it’s an arena where ambition meets reward. Whether you’re leading aircraft development or driving precision on the ground, these careers can elevate both your skills and earning potential.

Explore aerospace job opportunities today: Browse aerospace jobs.

Careers That Pay

Engineering Manager

Leading transformative projects, Engineering Managers combine technical expertise with team coordination. Salaries range from £60,000 to £110,000, with contractors earning £400 to £700 per day. This role suits big thinkers shaping the future of aviation.

Program Manager

Program Managers orchestrate complex projects, balancing precision, organisation, and collaboration. Salaries typically range from £50,000 to £100,000, with contract rates of £350 to £650 per day, a high-reward path for those who excel at managing large-scale initiatives.

Systems Engineer

Systems Engineers create and integrate advanced technologies, from avionics to propulsion. Annual salaries sit between £40,000 and £80,000, with contractors earning £300 to £600 per day. It’s a pivotal role where technical mastery meets innovation.

Test Pilot

Test Pilots combine courage with technical expertise, bridging design and real-world application to ensure aircraft safety and performance. Salaries range from £50,000 to £90,000, and contract rates can reach £400 to £700 per day. This role offers the thrill of flight alongside critical responsibility.

Sales Engineer

Sales Engineers connect technical solutions with business needs. Salaries typically fall between £35,000 and £70,000, with contract rates of £250 to £500 per day. This role blends technical know-how with strategic influence.

Senior Design Engineer

Senior Design Engineers transform concepts into flight-ready designs, driving innovation across projects. Salaries range from £40,000 to £85,000, with contractors earning £300 to £600 per day. It’s a central role where engineering excellence meets big ideas.

Quality Manager

Quality Managers are the gatekeepers of excellence, ensuring systems and outcomes meet the highest standards. Salaries range from £40,000 to £80,000, with daily contract rates of £300 to £550. Precision and oversight are key.

These roles, and many more, combine competitive pay with the chance to make a tangible impact. At Matchtech, our aerospace recruitment expertise connects skilled engineers with leading projects in military aircraft, civil aviation, and mission-critical technologies across the United Kingdom.

Expert Insight

"What makes this sector unique is its pace of progression, the constant drive for faster, lighter, and smarter solutions. Roles here connect talent with world-changing projects, and the financial rewards reflect that," says Rachel Spencer, Lead Recruiter at Matchtech. "Through our aerospace recruitment expertise, we help engineers find the right opportunities to thrive and shape the future of aviation and defence."

Looking to land in a high-impact career? Explore current aerospace jobs today: Browse roles.