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 July 01, 2026, the average salary for an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager in the United States is $219,300 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): $248,148
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $207,200 to $234,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $196,184
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View as table View as graph 25% $207,200 10% $196,184 90% $248,148 75% $234,400 $219,300 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 $219,300 $18,275 $4,217 $105
25th Percentile $207,200 $17,267 $3,985 $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): $128,926
  • 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
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Engineering Test Pilot4-7 years$128,926
Engineering Senior Test Pilot7+ years$150,144
Lead Engineering Test Pilot7-10 years$169,736
Engineering Test Pilot Manager10+ years$194,072
Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager10+ years$219,264
$128,926 Engineeri...
$150,144 Engineeri...
$169,736 Lead Engi...
$194,072 Engineeri...
$219,264 Engineeri...
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What Am I Worth?

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: $242,800.
  • California: $241,900.
  • Massachusetts: $238,700.

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: $276,600
  • San Francisco: $273,600
  • Oakland: $267,800

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $245,838. While startup companies pay approximate $207,983.

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$207,983
Growth Stage51~500$219,908
Established501~5000$237,423
Enterprise5000+$245,838

Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for an Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$328,950$158.050%
Aerospace & Defense$263,160$127.020%

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 July 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. What industry pays the highest salary for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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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