As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Test Pilot Manager in the United States is $194,100 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $93.
However, an Engineering Test Pilot Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Engineering Test Pilot Manager'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 Manager'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 | $128,926 |
| Engineering Senior Test Pilot | 7+ years | $150,144 |
| Lead Engineering Test Pilot | 7-10 years | $169,736 |
| Engineering Test Pilot Manager | 10+ years | $194,072 |
| Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager | 10+ years | $219,264 |
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 Pilot Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.42% |
| UAT | 3.05% |
| SQL | 1.69% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Test Strategy
|
$236,802 |
22%
|
|
People Management
|
$236,802 |
22%
|
|
Initiative
|
$232,920 |
20%
|
|
Test Execution
|
$227,097 |
17%
|
|
Scheduling
|
$225,156 |
16%
|
|
Test Planning
|
$219,333 |
13%
|
Engineering Test Pilot Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $217,588. While startup companies pay approximate $184,083.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $184,083 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $194,638 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $210,141 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $217,588 |
For Engineering Test Pilot Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 70% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and MFG Durable sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Test Pilot Manager positions in Aerospace & Defense or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Test Pilot Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $271,740 | $131.0 | 40% |
| MFG Durable | $213,510 | $103.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Engineering Test Pilot Managers 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 Manager with a Bachelor's Degree is between $186,696 and $212,781).
Engineering Test Pilot Manager Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 7.7% |
| High School | 7.7% |
| Associates | 61.5% |
| Bachelors | 30.8% |
| Masters | 61.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how an Engineering Test Pilot Manager'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 July 01, 2026For an Engineering Test Pilot Manager, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $219,300 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Salaries for an Engineering Test Pilot Manager can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $148,731 in 2023 to around $137,773 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Engineering Test Pilot Manager salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $148,731 |
| 2024 | $141,696 |
| 2025 | $137,773 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Test Pilot Manager roles, with salaries approximately 40% above the market median.
Captain Eric 'Winkle' Brown, a distinguished Royal Navy officer and test pilot, is renowned for holding world records for flying 478 different aircraft types and achieving the most aircraft carrier landings. His exceptional skills and contributions to aviation have set a high standard in the field. In the role of Engineering Test Pilot Manager, salaries range from $188,300 to $260,300, reflecting the expertise required in this profession.
The highest salary that an Engineering Test Pilot Manager can earn is $260,300 per year. This reflects the top end of the salary range for this position, indicating significant earning potential in the field.
Salaries for Engineering Test Pilot Managers range from $188,300 to $260,300, with a mid-salary of $228,300. While some pilots in other sectors may earn over $500,000, the typical earnings for this specific role are significantly lower, reflecting the specialized nature of the position and industry standards.
Most test pilot schools strongly encourage a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering or a related field with a strong mathematical and engineering emphasis. The salary for an Engineering Test Pilot Manager typically ranges from $188,300 to $260,300, with a mid-salary of $228,300, reflecting the expertise and qualifications required in this role.
Boeing Test Pilot Managers earn between $188,300 and $260,300 annually, with a median salary of $228,300. This reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, highlighting the competitive compensation in the aerospace industry.
Test pilots can earn a substantial income, especially in managerial roles. For an Engineering Test Pilot Manager, salaries range from $188,300 to $260,300, with a midpoint salary of $228,300. This indicates that experienced professionals in this field can indeed make a significant amount of money.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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