Aerospace Engineer Salary in UAE | Updated 2025
Are you curious about how much aerospace engineers make in the United Arab Emirates? Whether you are a fresh graduate, an experienced professional, or considering a move to Dubai or Abu Dhabi, this Q&A guide breaks down salaries, cities, job titles, and factors that shape pay in 2025.
What do aerospace engineers do in the UAE?
Aerospace engineers design, develop, test, and maintain aircraft and spacecraft systems. In the UAE, they work across airlines, defense contractors, aerospace R&D firms, MROs, and space-technology startups. Major employers include Emirates, Etihad, Mubadala Aerospace, Dubai Aerospace Enterprise, Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre, and EDGE Group.
What is the average aerospace engineer salary in the UAE (2025)?
Based on mixed-market data (PayScale, Glassdoor, ERI, Indeed), the typical monthly salary by experience level is:
| Experience Level | Monthly Salary (AED) | Annual Salary (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-level / Freshers | 8,000 – 12,000 | 96,000 – 144,000 |
| Mid-level (3–5 years) | 13,000 – 18,000 | 156,000 – 216,000 |
| Senior-level (6–10+ years) | 20,000 – 30,000+ | 240,000 – 360,000+ |
Average monthly salary (all levels): ~AED 17,000 (2025).
How much do entry-level and junior aerospace engineers earn?
Fresh graduates or those with <2 years of experience typically earn AED 8,000 – 12,000/month (~USD 2,175 – 3,270). Hiring ranges depend on university pedigree, internships, certifications, and employer type.
Aircraft engineer vs. aerospace engineer—who earns more?
Aircraft engineers (maintenance/MRO focus) generally earn slightly less than aerospace engineers working in R&D or systems design.
- Aircraft Engineers: AED 10,000 – 22,000/month
- Aerospace Engineers: AED 13,000 – 30,000+/month
What are city-wise salary ranges for aircraft engineers in the UAE?
| City | Average Monthly Salary (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Dubai | 12,000 – 22,000 | Highest due to Emirates, flydubai, DAE |
| Abu Dhabi | 10,000 – 20,000 | Etihad, military aerospace, GAL |
| Sharjah | 8,000 – 15,000 | Air Arabia HQ & technical base |
| Al Ain | 7,000 – 13,000 | Defense/training operations |
| RAK / Fujairah | 6,000 – 11,000 | Private airstrips/limited ops |
How much do different aerospace job titles pay?
Aeronautical Engineer salary in Dubai
AED 14,000 – 22,000/month (aircraft design, aerodynamics).
Flight Engineer salary in UAE
AED 12,000 – 20,000/month (on-board technical specialists).
Aerospace Design Engineer pay
AED 16,000 – 25,000/month in R&D/manufacturing; tools like ANSYS, CATIA, SolidWorks can boost pay.
Mechanical/Aircraft Maintenance Engineer salary
AED 10,000 – 18,000/month; GCAA/EASA licenses push candidates to higher tiers.
UAE vs other countries (AED & USD, 2025)
| Country | Avg Monthly Salary (AED) | Equivalent in USD |
|---|---|---|
| UAE | 17,000 | ~4,630 |
| United States | 26,500 | ~7,200 |
| Germany | 18,300 | ~5,000 |
| India | 3,500 | ~950 |
| United Kingdom | 16,000 | ~4,350 |
| Saudi Arabia | 13,000 | ~3,540 |
Organisation-wise aircraft engineer salary in Dubai
Note: Employer-reported bands vary by role/grade and may exclude allowances/bonuses. Monthly values below are simple annual ÷ 12.
| Organisation | Average Salary Per Year (AED) | Average Salary Per Month (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| The Emirates Group | 20,000 – 50,000 | 1,667 – 4,167 |
| Etihad Airways | 29,000 – 45,000 | 2,417 – 3,750 |
| flydubai | 100,000 – 300,000 | 8,333 – 25,000 |
| Panasonic | 28,000 – 33,000 | 2,333 – 2,750 |
| Dubai Civil Aviation Authority | 80,000 – 150,000 | 6,667 – 12,500 |
| Global Aerospace Logistics | 27,000 – 56,000 | 2,250 – 4,667 |
| Cebu Pacific | 30,000 – 45,000 | 2,500 – 3,750 |
| Oriental Aviation International Pte. Ltd | 45,000 – 90,000 | 3,750 – 7,500 |
| Volga-Dnepr Gulf | 34,000 – 55,000 | 2,833 – 4,583 |
| Ethiopian Air | 55,000 – 60,000 | 4,583 – 5,000 |
| Volga-Dnepr | 40,000 – 55,000 | 3,333 – 4,583 |
| Qualitair & Sea International | 48,000 – 60,000 | 4,000 – 5,000 |
Position-wise aircraft engineer salary in Dubai
| Position | Monthly Salary (AED) | Annual Salary (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer | 4,500 | 54,000 |
| Avionics Engineer | 3,750 | 45,000 |
| Aerospace Engineer | 10,012 | 120,145 |
| Aircraft Technician | 3,333 | 40,000 |
| Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Engineer | 5,583 | 67,000 |
| Stress Engineer | 3,825 | 45,900 |
| Aircraft Maintenance Technician | 4,583 | 55,000 |
| Aircraft Mechanic | 5,583 | 67,000 |
| Test Engineer | 4,417 | 53,000 |
| Warehouse & Logistics Controller | 4,167 | 50,000 |
What factors most affect aerospace salaries in the UAE?
- Years of experience and seniority
- Certifications (EASA, GCAA, ICAO)
- Employer type (government, airline, defense, MRO, R&D)
- Project type (military, commercial, space tech)
- City and cost of living (Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs others)
Top companies hiring aerospace engineers in the UAE
- Emirates Group
- Etihad Engineering
- Mubadala Aerospace
- Dubai Aerospace Enterprise
- Mohammed Bin Rashid Space Centre
- EDGE Group (defense)
How do I become an aerospace engineer in the UAE?
- Earn a Bachelor’s/Master’s in Aerospace, Mechanical, or Aeronautical Engineering.
- Obtain GCAA, EASA, or equivalent licenses; pursue role-specific approvals.
- Apply through LinkedIn, Naukrigulf, Indeed, or directly to airlines/defense firms.
- Build experience via internships, graduate programs, or global training.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average salary of an aerospace engineer in the UAE in 2025?
Around AED 17,000/month (~USD 4,630), with higher figures for experienced engineers and specialized roles.
Is aerospace engineering a good career in the UAE?
Yes. Ongoing investment in aviation, defense, and space supports job security, competitive pay, and career growth.
What is the salary of an aeronautical engineer in Dubai?
Typically AED 14,000 – 22,000/month (~USD 3,800 – 6,000), depending on skills and employer.
What is the highest salary for aerospace engineers in the UAE?
Top specialists or managers in defense/advanced programs can earn AED 35,000+/month.
Which cities offer the most jobs?
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Al Ain are the main hubs; Dubai has more private-sector roles.
Conclusion: Is aerospace engineering worth it in the UAE?
If you are passionate about aviation and space, the UAE offers strong salaries, high-growth employers, and international projects. To stay competitive, secure recognized certifications (EASA/ICAO/GCAA), build hands-on experience, and target roles that match your strengths.
