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Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary in the United States

How much does a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot in the United States is $169,750 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $82.

However, a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $194,987
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $155,500 to $182,960
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $142,526
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salaries

A Lead Maintenance 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.

How Experience Level Affects Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Maintenance 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:

  • Engineering Test Pilot (4-7 years): $128,952
  • Engineering Senior Test Pilot (7+ years): $150,170
  • Lead Maintenance Test Pilot (7-10 years): $169,742
  • Engineering Test Pilot Manager (10+ years): $194,127
  • Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager (10+ years): $219,340
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Engineering Test Pilot4-7 years$128,952
Engineering Senior Test Pilot7+ years$150,170
Lead Maintenance Test Pilot7-10 years$169,742
Engineering Test Pilot Manager10+ years$194,127
Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager10+ years$219,340
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How Do Lead Maintenance Test Pilot 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 Lead Maintenance Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $187,940.
  • California: $187,230.
  • Massachusetts: $184,740.

Top Paying Cities for Lead Maintenance Test Pilots

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: $214,100
  • San Francisco: $211,760
  • Oakland: $207,290

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $190,168. While startup companies pay approximate $160,930.

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $160,930
Growth Stage 51~500 $170,140
Established 501~5000 $183,656
Enterprise 5000+ $190,168

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Lead Maintenance Test Pilot 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, Lead Maintenance Test Pilot positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Maintenance Test Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$254,625$122.050%
Aerospace & Defense$203,700$98.020%

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Lead Maintenance 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 September 01, 2026
$155,500
Average $169,750/year
$182,960
$12,958
Average $14,146/month
$15,247
$2,990
Average $3,264/week
$3,518
$75
Average $82/hour
$88
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $182,960 $15,247 $3,518 $88
Average $169,750 $14,146 $3,264 $82
25th Percentile $155,500 $12,958 $2,990 $75

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot Salary Growth & Career Path

Lead Maintenance Test Pilot

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Advancement

For a Lead Maintenance 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 $194,200 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Lead Maintenance Test Pilot

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Lead Maintenance Test Pilot

Here are companies hiring for Lead Maintenance Test Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Lead Maintenance Test Pilot

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Lead Maintenance Test Pilot?

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

2. How much does aviation maintenance earn in USA?

Aviation maintenance salaries in the USA vary significantly. For a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot, the salary ranges from a minimum of $200,130 to a maximum of $261,490, with a mid-range salary of $221,280. In contrast, aircraft mechanics earn an average of $67,131, with top earners making around $86,500.

3. What does a maintenance test pilot do?

The Maintenance Test Pilot (AH-64 D/E) employs flight test techniques to conduct test flights, assessing aircraft performance and handling to ensure airworthiness after maintenance or modifications. The salary for this role ranges from $200,130 to $261,490, with a mid-point of $221,280, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved in ensuring aircraft safety and functionality.

4. What is the highest paying job?

One of the highest paying jobs is a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot, with a salary range from $200,130 to $261,490. The average salary is approximately $221,280, making it a lucrative career choice for those in the aviation industry.

5. How much does the test pilot program cost?

The salary for a Lead Maintenance Test Pilot ranges from $200,130 to $261,490, with a mid-point of $221,280. While the costs for test pilot programs vary, they can range from approximately $10,000 to $999,000, depending on the specific course and requirements. For example, the Technical Pilot Course is priced at $24,720, and the Flight Test Aviation Safety Course costs $1,500.

6. What is a maintenance test flight?

A maintenance check flight (MCF) is a flight of an aircraft with an airworthiness certificate or a permit to fly, conducted for troubleshooting or to verify the operation of systems, parts, or appliances after maintenance. Lead Maintenance Test Pilots, who earn between $200,130 and $261,490 annually, play a crucial role in ensuring aircraft safety and performance during these flights.

7. Which is the highest paid job in aviation?

The highest paid job in aviation is the Lead Maintenance Test Pilot, with a salary range from $200,130 to $261,490. This role requires extensive experience and expertise in aircraft systems, making it one of the most lucrative positions in the industry. Other high-paying roles include airline pilots and aviation lawyers, but the Lead Maintenance Test Pilot stands out for its compensation.

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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