As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Test Pilot in Illinois is $173,012 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $83.
However, a Lead Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Test Pilot Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $186,459 | $15,538 | $3,586 | $90 |
| Average | $173,012 | $14,418 | $3,327 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,466 | $13,206 | $3,047 | $76 |
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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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Test Pilot | 4-7 years | $131,414 |
| Senior Test Pilot | 7+ years | $153,042 |
| Lead Test Pilot | 7-10 years | $173,012 |
| Test Pilot Manager | 10+ years | $197,818 |
| Test Pilot Senior Manager | 10+ years | $223,496 |
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 Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $193,948. While startup companies pay approximate $164,083.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $164,083 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $173,491 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $187,310 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $193,948 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $259,518 | $125.0 | 50% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $207,614 | $100.0 | 20% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $186,459 | $15,538 | $3,586 | $90 |
| Average | $173,012 | $14,418 | $3,327 | $83 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,466 | $13,206 | $3,047 | $76 |
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 $197,818 - a projected growth of 14% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Test Pilot job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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