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The differences between fixed wing pilots and test pilots can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a fixed wing pilot and a test pilot. Additionally, a fixed wing pilot has an average salary of $102,889, which is higher than the $96,060 average annual salary of a test pilot.
The top three skills for a fixed wing pilot include EMS, pilot-in-command and flight operations. The most important skills for a test pilot are FAA, pilot-in-command, and aircraft maintenance.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Test Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $102,889 | $96,060 |
| Hourly rate | $49.47 | $46.18 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 2,989 | 20,665 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
A fixed-wing pilot specializes in operating aircraft, ensuring efficiency and safety. Among their responsibilities include monitoring the aircraft's fuel and systems, conducting safety checks before and after flights, maintaining documents, and coordinating with airports and air traffic controls. There are also instances where they must attend conferences, greet passengers, and provide private flights. Furthermore, like a fixed-wing pilot, it is essential to conduct regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff.
A test pilot operates and evaluates aircraft to determine its quality and safety. Their responsibilities include gathering and analyzing aircraft data and specifications, assessing the aircraft's features, documenting every procedure, and making a list of recommendations to improve the aircraft's overall quality and performance. They may also evaluate various instruments and systems, performing maintenance checks as necessary. Being a test pilot requires expertise and skills, which is my most test pilots are employed under government agencies and have undergone special training.
Fixed wing pilots and test pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Test Pilot | |
| Average salary | $102,889 | $96,060 |
| Salary range | Between $78,000 And $134,000 | Between $67,000 And $137,000 |
| Highest paying City | - | Mountain View, CA |
| Highest paying state | - | California |
| Best paying company | - | Learjet |
| Best paying industry | - | Transportation |
There are a few differences between a fixed wing pilot and a test pilot in terms of educational background:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Test Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 68% | Bachelor's Degree, 61% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between fixed wing pilots' and test pilots' demographics:
| Fixed Wing Pilot | Test Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 93.1% Female, 6.9% | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.1% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.7% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% | Black or African American, 2.8% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.3% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.3% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |