As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Experimental Test Pilot in Rio Rancho, NM is $120,225 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $58.
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, skills 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 | $119,396 |
| Senior Te... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $139,044 |
| Lead Test... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $157,176 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $179,734 |
| Test Pilo... Level Experimental Test Pilot | $203,071 |
What Am I Worth?
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
|
$151,484 |
26%
|
|
Computer Vision
|
$147,877 |
23%
|
|
Test Engineering
|
$138,259 |
15%
|
|
Artificial Intelligence
|
$137,057 |
14%
|
|
Design Engineering
|
$134,653 |
12%
|
|
Test Planning
|
$134,653 |
12%
|
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 | $156,293 | $75.0 | 30% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $132,248 | $64.0 | 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.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026Ready 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.
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