As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Engineering Test Pilot in the United States is $169,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.
However, a Lead Engineering Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Engineering Test Pilot | $164,037 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Engineering Test Pilot | $165,104 |
| Senior Level Lead Engineering Test Pilot | $165,531 |
| Specialist Level Lead Engineering Test Pilot | $167,666 |
| Expert Level Lead Engineering Test Pilot | $169,373 |
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 Lead Engineering Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Understanding how a Lead 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 January 01, 2026For a Lead Engineering Test Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Test Pilot Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $194,000 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
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The estimated total pay for a Lead Engineering Test Pilot in the US ranges from $200,200 to $261,500 per year, with a mid-salary of $221,300. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data, providing a clear picture of compensation for this role.
Test engineers can earn competitive salaries, especially in specialized roles like Lead Engineering Test Pilot. For this position, salaries range from $200,200 to $261,500, with a mid-salary of $221,300. This reflects a significant increase compared to the average test engineer salary, which typically ranges from $65,000 to $80,000 annually.
As of now, the salary for a Lead Engineering Test Pilot in the United States ranges from $200,200 to $261,500 annually, with a median salary of $221,300. This translates to approximately $96.15 to $125.73 per hour, or $4,000 to $5,000 per week, depending on experience and qualifications.
The salary range for a Lead Engineering Test Pilot is between $200,200 and $261,500 per year, with a mid-salary of $221,300. This reflects a more specialized role compared to general test pilots, indicating higher compensation for the expertise and responsibilities involved.
The demand for QA testers in the USA is strong, with a projected job growth of 17% from 2023 to 2033, equating to approximately 327,900 new jobs. Salaries for Lead Engineering Test Pilots in this field range from $200,200 to $261,500, with a median salary of $221,300, reflecting the critical role QA plays in product development and service delivery.
The highest paid pilot is the Lead Engineering Test Pilot, with a salary range of $200,200 to $261,500 per year. This position typically offers a minimum salary of $200,200, a mid-range salary of $221,300, and can go up to a maximum of $261,500, making it one of the most lucrative roles in aviation.
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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