As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for an Engineering Test Pilot in the United States is $128,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Engineering Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineering 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 an Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Engineering Test Pilot | 4-7 years | $128,830 |
| Engineering Senior Test Pilot | 7+ years | $150,059 |
| Lead Test Pilot | 7-10 years | $169,715 |
| Engineering Test Pilot Manager | 10+ years | $193,881 |
| Test Pilot Senior Manager | 10+ years | $218,977 |
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 Engineering 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 |
|---|---|---|
|
Test Plans
|
$141,790 |
10%
|
|
Leadership
|
$139,212 |
8%
|
|
Flight Operations
|
$136,634 |
6%
|
|
Planning
|
$134,056 |
4%
|
|
Aircraft Maintenance
|
$132,767 |
3%
|
|
Aviation
|
$131,478 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering 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 an Engineering Test Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,145 and $131,645).
Engineering 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 an Engineering 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 May 18, 2021For an Engineering Test Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Senior Test Pilot role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,100 - a projected growth of 16% over your current level.
Salaries for an Engineering Test Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,595 in 2023 to around $93,568 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Test Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,595 |
| 2024 | $96,612 |
| 2025 | $93,568 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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American Engineering Testing offers competitive salaries for Engineering Test Pilots, with a minimum salary of $132,700, a mid-range salary of $148,300, and a maximum salary of $168,400. This reflects the company's commitment to attracting skilled professionals in the engineering field.
Test engineers can earn a competitive salary, especially in specialized roles like Engineering Test Pilot. The salary typically ranges from $132,700 to $168,400, with a mid-range salary of $148,300. This indicates that test engineers in this field can make significantly more than the average salary of $65,000 to $80,000 for general test engineering positions.
Test pilots can earn a substantial income, with salaries ranging from $132,700 to $168,400 per year. The average salary is approximately $148,300, reflecting the expertise and skills required for this role. Overall, test pilots are well-compensated for their specialized work in the aviation industry.
Becoming an engineering test pilot is indeed challenging. It demands extensive training, technical knowledge, and strong problem-solving skills. The role is competitive, with salaries ranging from $132,700 to $168,400, reflecting the high level of expertise required. Success in this field requires dedication and a passion for aviation.
Test engineers are indeed in demand, driven by the rapid advancement of technology and product development. This growing need is reflected in the salary range for Engineering Test Pilots, which spans from $132,700 to $168,400, with a mid-salary of $148,300. As the industry evolves, the importance and compensation for test engineers continue to rise.
Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown, a distinguished Royal Navy officer and test pilot, is renowned for holding world records for flying 478 aircraft types and achieving the most aircraft carrier landings. His exceptional skills and contributions to aviation have set a high standard in the field. Engineering test pilots can expect salaries ranging from $132,700 to $168,400, reflecting their expertise and experience.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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