As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Flight Test Pilot in the United States is $98,504 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Flight Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Flight 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 Flight 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 |
|---|---|
| Quality A... Level Flight Test Pilot | $67,431 |
| Quality A... Level Flight Test Pilot | $81,969 |
| Flight Te... Level Flight Test Pilot | $99,210 |
| Quality A... Level Flight Test Pilot | $123,774 |
| Quality A... Level Flight Test Pilot | $149,808 |
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 Flight Test Pilots. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.19% |
| Packaging | 2.11% |
| Product Quality | 1.46% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Process Improvement
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
|
Project Management
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
|
Quality Management
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
|
Leadership
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
|
Change Control
|
$102,444 |
4%
|
For Flight Test Pilot roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Flight Test Pilot positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Flight Test Pilot as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $108,354 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $108,354 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $108,354 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $108,354 | $52.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $108,354 | $52.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Flight 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 Flight Test Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $100,752 and $105,909).
Flight Test Pilot Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 12.9% |
| High School | 12.9% |
| Associates | 5.3% |
| Bachelors | 57.6% |
| Masters | 23.5% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Flight 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Flight Test Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $86,578 in 2023 to around $86,358 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Flight Test Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $86,578 |
| 2024 | $86,976 |
| 2025 | $86,358 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Flight Test Pilot roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
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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