Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salary in the United States

How much does an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager make in the United States?

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager in the United States is $219,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $105.

However, an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $248,239
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $207,300 to $234,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $196,466
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View as table View as graph 25% $207,300 10% $196,466 90% $248,239 75% $234,400 $219,200 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $234,400 $19,533 $4,508 $113
Average $219,200 $18,267 $4,215 $105
25th Percentile $207,300 $17,275 $3,987 $100
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Key Factors That Influence Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salaries

An Engineering Test Pilot Senior 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of an Engineering Test Pilot Senior 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:

  • Engineering Test Pilot (4-7 years): $128,901
  • Engineering Senior Test Pilot (7+ years): $150,118
  • Lead Engineering Test Pilot (7-10 years): $169,730
  • Engineering Test Pilot Manager (10+ years): $194,017
  • Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager (10+ years): $219,188
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Engineering Test Pilot4-7 years$128,901
Engineering Senior Test Pilot7+ years$150,118
Lead Engineering Test Pilot7-10 years$169,730
Engineering Test Pilot Manager10+ years$194,017
Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager10+ years$219,188
$128,901 Engineeri...
$150,118 Engineeri...
$169,730 Lead Engi...
$194,017 Engineeri...
$219,188 Engineeri...
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How Do Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Senior Managers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • District of Columbia: $242,700.
  • California: $241,800.
  • Massachusetts: $238,600.

Top Paying Cities for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Managers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $276,500
  • San Francisco: $273,500
  • Oakland: $267,700

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how an Engineering Test Pilot Senior 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 May 01, 2026

Most common benefits for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager

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FAQ about Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager

1. Do some pilots make 500k a year?

Salaries for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Managers range from $235,400 to $312,300, with a mid-salary of $271,600. While some pilots in other sectors may earn over $500,000, the highest salaries in this specific role do not reach that level. Overall, pilot salaries can vary significantly based on the airline and position.

2. What degree do most test pilots have?

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 Senior Manager ranges from $235,400 to $312,300, with a median salary of $271,600, reflecting the high level of expertise required in this role.

3. How much do manager pilots make?

Manager pilots, specifically Engineering Test Pilot Senior Managers, earn between $235,400 and $312,300 annually, with a median salary of $271,600. This range reflects the specialized skills and responsibilities associated with the role, making it a lucrative career choice in the aviation industry.

4. Do test engineers make good money?

Test engineers can earn competitive salaries, especially in senior roles. For an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager, salaries range from $235,400 to $312,300, with a midpoint of $271,600. This reflects the higher earning potential in specialized positions compared to typical test engineer roles, which generally pay between $65,000 and $80,000 annually.

5. Do pilots make 300k a year?

Pilots, specifically Engineering Test Pilot Senior Managers, can earn significantly more, with a minimum salary of $235,400, a mid-range salary of $271,600, and a maximum salary reaching $312,300. This indicates that top earners in this field can indeed make around $300,000 a year.

6. How much does a test engineering director make?

A Senior Manager in Engineering Test Pilot typically earns between $235,400 and $312,300, with a mid-salary of $271,600. This role generally requires a strong background in engineering, often including advanced degrees and extensive experience in the field.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

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