As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for an Experimental Test Pilot in the United States is $128,043 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $62.
However, an Experimental Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Experimental 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 an Experimental 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 |
|---|---|
| Experimen... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $127,161 |
| Senior Te... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $148,091 |
| Lead Test... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $167,439 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $191,398 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $216,229 |
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 Experimental 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
|
$161,334 |
26%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$157,493 |
23%
|
|
Test Engineering
|
$147,249 |
15%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$145,969 |
14%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$143,408 |
12%
|
|
Test Planning
|
$143,408 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Experimental 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 an Experimental Test Pilot with a Bachelor's Degree is between $140,831 and $150,056).
Experimental 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 an Experimental 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 May 01, 2026Salaries for an Experimental Test Pilot can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $100,224 in 2023 to around $92,305 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Experimental Test Pilot salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $100,224 |
| 2024 | $95,308 |
| 2025 | $92,305 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Experimental Test Pilot and their salaries, click below for more details.
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