As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Maintenance Test Pilot in the United States is $128,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, a Maintenance Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Maintenance Test Pilot | 4-7 years | $128,888 |
| Engineering Senior Test Pilot | 7+ years | $150,105 |
| Lead Engineering Test Pilot | 7-10 years | $169,727 |
| Engineering Test Pilot Manager | 10+ years | $193,989 |
| Engineering Test Pilot Senior Manager | 10+ years | $219,150 |
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 Maintenance Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 7.69% |
| Customer Training | 2.56% |
| Test Planning | 2.56% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Field Testing
|
$162,401 |
26%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$158,535 |
23%
|
|
Test Engineering
|
$148,224 |
15%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$146,935 |
14%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$144,357 |
12%
|
|
Test Planning
|
$144,357 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Maintenance Test Pilots 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 a Maintenance Test Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $121,093 and $131,609).
Maintenance Test Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 18.2% |
| High School | 18.2% |
| Associates | 72.7% |
| Bachelors | 9.1% |
| Masters | 72.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a 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 April 01, 2026For a Maintenance Test Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Engineering Senior Test Pilot role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $150,200 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Maintenance Test Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $101,595 in 2023 to around $93,568 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Maintenance Test Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $101,595 |
| 2024 | $96,612 |
| 2025 | $93,568 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The highest paying Maintenance Test Pilots earn between $132,650 and $168,390 annually, with a mid-salary of $148,280. While some commercial pilots at major airlines can average around $200,000, Maintenance Test Pilots typically earn less, with top salaries not reaching that threshold. Experience and specific roles can influence earnings significantly.
The cost of the test pilot program varies significantly based on the specific course and requirements. For example, the EASA Bridging Course can range from $10,000 to $999,000, while the Technical Pilot Course for Maintenance Flight Test is approximately $24,720. Additionally, the average salary for a Maintenance Test Pilot ranges from $132,650 to $168,390, reflecting the investment in training.
A Maintenance Test Pilot typically earns between $132,650 and $168,390 annually, with a mid-salary of $148,280. Factors such as location, education, and experience can influence these figures. Test pilots in California often receive the highest salaries in the field.
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 $132,650 to $168,390, with a mid-point of $148,280, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved in ensuring aircraft safety and functionality.
The Professional Course is the ultimate in flight test education. Graduates of this 50-week course are prepared to perform advanced flight tests. As a Maintenance Test Pilot, you can expect a salary ranging from $132,650 to $168,390, with a mid-range salary of $148,280, reflecting the expertise and skills required in this critical role.
The salary range for a Maintenance Test Pilot is between $132,650 and $168,390 per year, with a mid-salary of $148,280. This reflects the base salary and does not include additional compensation.
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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