As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Pilot in the United States is $128,888 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Test Pilot's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Test Pilot's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Test Pilot | 4-7 years | $128,888 |
| Senior Test Pilot | 7+ years | $150,105 |
| Lead Test Pilot | 7-10 years | $169,727 |
| Test Pilot Manager | 10+ years | $193,989 |
| Test Pilot Senior Manager | 10+ years | $219,150 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.69% |
| Customer Training | 2.56% |
| Test Planning | 2.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Field Testing
|
$162,399 |
26%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$158,532 |
23%
|
|
Test Engineering
|
$148,221 |
15%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$146,932 |
14%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$144,355 |
12%
|
|
Test Planning
|
$144,355 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Test Pilots enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Test Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,831 and $150,056).
Test Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 18.2% |
| High School | 18.2% |
| Associates | 72.7% |
| Bachelors | 9.1% |
| Masters | 72.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Test Pilot's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on April 01, 2026For a Test Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Senior Test Pilot role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,105 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Test Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Test Pilot job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Test Pilot's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Test Pilot earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Test Pilot is $162,566.
The highest pay for Test Pilot is $151,775.
The lowest pay for Test Pilot is $107,241.
Pilots new or modified aircraft to test functionality and ensure compliance with federal regulations and product specifications. Follows all regulatory policies and procedures when conducting flight operations. Pilots aircraft and performs maneuvers in various conditions to test and validate functionality, capabilities, and safety of features. Collects and documents data utilizing specialized tools and professional observations. Prepares reports that summarize findings and recommendations. May pilot demonstrations for officials or customers to exhibit performance and capabilities. Requires a high school diploma. Requires FAA Commercial Pilot's License. Typically reports to a manager. Work is generally independent and collaborative in nature. Contributes to moderately complex aspects of a project. Typically requires 4-7 years of related experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.
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