As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for an Aircraft Test Pilot in the United States is $116,080 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, an Aircraft Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Aircraft 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 an Aircraft 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 |
|---|---|
| Sustainab... Level Aircraft Test Pilot | $77,237 |
| Sustainab... Level Aircraft Test Pilot | $101,371 |
| Aircraft ... Level Aircraft Test Pilot | $116,715 |
| Sustainab... Level Aircraft Test Pilot | $123,535 |
| Sustainab... Level Aircraft Test Pilot | $147,158 |
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 Aircraft Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.38% |
| Supply Chain | 1.42% |
| Packaging | 0.83% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Property Management
|
$134,653 |
16%
|
|
Coordination
|
$130,010 |
12%
|
|
Data Management
|
$128,849 |
11%
|
|
Tableau
|
$126,527 |
9%
|
|
Economics
|
$125,366 |
8%
|
|
Energy Efficiency
|
$123,045 |
6%
|
Understanding how an Aircraft 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, 2026Salaries for an Aircraft Test Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,134 in 2023 to around $98,778 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Aircraft Test Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $100,134 |
| 2024 | $99,672 |
| 2025 | $98,778 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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