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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Experimental Test Pilot in California is $141,274 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $68.
However, an Experimental Test Pilot's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Experimental Test Pilot Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $154,526 | $12,877 | $2,972 | $74 |
| Average | $141,274 | $11,773 | $2,717 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,076 | $10,756 | $2,482 | $62 |
Robinson Helicopter Co - Torrance, CA
Robinson Helicopter Co - Torrance, CA
Anduril - Victorville, CA
Scaled Composites - Mojave, CA
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 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 | $140,300 |
| Senior Te... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $163,387 |
| Lead Test... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $184,695 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $211,202 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $238,625 |
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:
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:
For Experimental Test Pilot roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Aerospace & Defense sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Experimental Test Pilot positions in Transportation or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Experimental 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 | $183,657 | $88.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $155,402 | $75.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $154,526 | $12,877 | $2,972 | $74 |
| Average | $141,274 | $11,773 | $2,717 | $68 |
| 25th Percentile | $129,076 | $10,756 | $2,482 | $62 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Experimental Test Pilot job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Hermeus
Los Angeles, CA
Hermeus | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the ... more
6 Days Ago
Joby Aviation
East Garrison, CA
Joby Aviation | East Garrison, CA
Company Overview. Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets... more
7 Days Ago
Joby Aviation
Marina, CA
Joby Aviation | Marina, CA
Joby Aviation Test Pilot. Joby Aviation is seeking a passionate and driven test pilot to join our flight test team. This role requires a wide range of know... more
9 Days Ago
Joby Aviation
Marina, CA
Joby Aviation | Marina, CA
Joby Aviation Flight Test DER. Joby Aviation is looking for a driven Flight Test DER to support the planning, testing, and certification of our electric CT... more
6 Days Ago
Redwire Corporation
San Luis Obispo, CA
Redwire Corporation | San Luis Obispo, CA
UAS Pilot/Technician. Work Location: San Luis Obispo, CA. FLSA Status: Exempt. Salary Range: The anticipated salary range for this role is $70,000.00 to $9... more
7 Days Ago
Wisk Aero LLC
Hollister, CA
Wisk Aero LLC | Hollister, CA
Overview. At Wisk, we’re transforming the future of urban mobility through safe, all‑electric, autonomous flight. We are a passionate team working together... more
7 Days Ago
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