Salary Benchmarks for Top Defense and Aerospace Job Titles in Brevard County
Brevard County, known as the Space Coast, is a hub for defense and aerospace industries, with top companies like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris Technologies having a significant presence. Understanding salary benchmarks for key job titles is crucial for both job seekers and employers in this competitive market.
Top Defense and Aerospace Job Titles and Their Salary Ranges
Based on current job listings on Space Coast Defense Jobs, the average salary range for defense and aerospace professionals in Brevard County is between $99,400 and $161,900 per year. However, salaries vary widely depending on factors like job title, experience, and security clearance level.
Trending Job Titles
The following job titles are currently trending in Brevard County's defense and aerospace sector:
Electrical Engineer
Mechanical Engineer
Structural Analysis Sr.
Engineering Technician IV
Principal Supply Chain Subcontract Specialist
Principal Program Planning and Scheduling Analyst
Engineering Technician
Radar System Operator Associate
Sr. Principal Survivability Engineer (Level 4)
Project Engineer Sr
Salary ranges vary by seniority and discipline. Entry-level and mid-career technical roles tend to fall within the overall average range, while senior and principal-level positions at major primes like Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and L3Harris regularly post ranges above $150,000–$200,000. Director-level positions can reach above $360,000.
Factors Affecting Salaries
Several factors influence salary ranges in Brevard County's defense and aerospace industry:
Security clearance level: Jobs requiring higher clearance levels, such as Top Secret/SCI, tend to offer higher salaries. Based on current listings, over 600 positions require a Secret clearance and roughly 67 require Top Secret, making clearance level a significant factor in compensation.
Experience: More experienced professionals can command higher salaries, especially in senior and principal roles.
Company: Major contractors like Lockheed Martin and Northrop Grumman offer competitive salaries to attract top talent, while smaller firms and newer space companies may compensate differently — sometimes with more equity or flexibility.
Location: Salaries can vary depending on the specific location within Brevard County, with areas around Cape Canaveral, Kennedy Space Center (KSC), and Patrick Space Force Base (SFB) potentially offering different compensation due to the nature of the work.
Practical Advice for Job Seekers and Employers
For job seekers:
Research the average salary range for your desired job title in Brevard County to make informed decisions.
Consider obtaining or upgrading your security clearance to increase your earning potential.
Network with professionals in your field to gain insights into company-specific salary ranges.
Remember that Florida has no state income tax — factor this into comparisons with roles in Virginia, California, or other defense hubs.
For employers:
Stay competitive by offering salaries within the average range for your industry and job title.
Consider the cost of living in Brevard County when determining salary ranges.
Be prepared to negotiate salaries based on a candidate's experience and security clearance level.
By understanding the current salary benchmarks for top defense and aerospace job titles in Brevard County, both job seekers and employers can make more informed decisions in this dynamic and competitive market.
Salary data in this article reflects active listings on Space Coast Defense Jobs. Figures are approximate and subject to change as new positions are posted.