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Lead Test Pilot Salary in Columbus City, IA

How much does a Lead Test Pilot make in Columbus City, IA?

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Test Pilot in Columbus City, IA is $159,890 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $77.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $183,678
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $146,468 to $172,341
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $134,248
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Lead Test Pilot Salaries

A Lead 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 Test Pilot Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Lead 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:

  • Test Pilot (4-7 years): $121,477
  • Senior Test Pilot (7+ years): $141,463
  • Lead Test Pilot (7-10 years): $159,890
  • Test Pilot Manager (10+ years): $182,882
  • Test Pilot Senior Manager (10+ years): $206,640
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Test Pilot4-7 years$121,477
Senior Test Pilot7+ years$141,463
Lead Test Pilot7-10 years$159,890
Test Pilot Manager10+ years$182,882
Test Pilot Senior Manager10+ years$206,640
View as Graph

Top Paying Cities for Lead 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: $214,099
  • San Francisco: $211,755
  • Oakland: $207,293

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

Lead Test Pilot salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $178,962. While startup companies pay approximate $151,597.

Lead Test Pilot Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $151,597
Growth Stage 51~500 $160,240
Established 501~5000 $172,824
Enterprise 5000+ $178,962

Lead Test Pilot Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

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

The top paying industries for a Lead Test Pilot

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$254,618$122.050%
Aerospace & Defense$203,694$98.020%

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

Understanding how a Lead 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 October 01, 2026
$146,468
Average $159,890/year
$172,341
$12,206
Average $13,324/month
$14,362
$2,817
Average $3,075/week
$3,314
$70
Average $77/hour
$83
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $172,341 $14,362 $3,314 $83
Average $159,890 $13,324 $3,075 $77
25th Percentile $146,468 $12,206 $2,817 $70

Lead Test Pilot Salary Growth & Career Path

Lead Test Pilot

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Advancement

For a Lead Test Pilot, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Test Pilot Manager role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $182,882 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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