Test pilot vs aircraft pilot

The differences between test pilots and aircraft 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 test pilot and an aircraft pilot. Additionally, a test pilot has an average salary of $96,060, which is higher than the $94,207 average annual salary of an aircraft pilot.

The top three skills for a test pilot include FAA, pilot-in-command and aircraft maintenance. The most important skills for an aircraft pilot are FAA, airspace, and mission planning.

Test pilot vs aircraft pilot overview

	Test Pilot	Aircraft Pilot
Yearly salary	$96,060	$94,207
Hourly rate	$46.18	$45.29
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	20,665	5,585
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

What does a test pilot do?

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.

What does an aircraft pilot do?

An aircraft pilot handles the operations and maintenance of an aircraft. They are responsible for the safety of the aircraft, the passengers, and the crew. An aircraft pilot must have the required flight time experience, the necessary licenses, and a complete understanding of all airline safety protocols. This position also requires organizational skills, discipline, communication skills, and the ability to work well under pressure.

Test pilot vs aircraft pilot salary

Test pilots and aircraft pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Test Pilot	Aircraft Pilot
Average salary	$96,060	$94,207
Salary range	Between $67,000 And $137,000	Between $72,000 And $122,000
Highest paying City	Mountain View, CA	La Quinta, CA
Highest paying state	California	New Jersey
Best paying company	Learjet	Michels
Best paying industry	Transportation	Energy

Differences between test pilot and aircraft pilot education

There are a few differences between a test pilot and an aircraft pilot in terms of educational background:

	Test Pilot	Aircraft Pilot
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 77%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Stanford University	SUNY Farmingdale

Test pilot vs aircraft pilot demographics

Here are the differences between test pilots' and aircraft pilots' demographics:

	Test Pilot	Aircraft Pilot
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%	Male, 95.7% Female, 4.3%
Race ratio	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%	Black or African American, 2.7% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 7.2% Asian, 2.8% White, 81.5% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between test pilot and aircraft pilot duties and responsibilities

Test pilot example responsibilities.

Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
Perform production/experimental flight tests of aircraft and systems to assure compliance with FAA.
Balance schedule maintenance activities with the mission demand to ensure combat asset availability.
React with expedite mission management and delegate to the aircrews for efficient no-notice helicopter launches.
Develop regulations and procedures for airlift management.

Aircraft pilot example responsibilities.

Serve as a professional pilot managing a flight crew and ensuring safe transportation of VIP's internationally.
Conduct academic and flight training for USAF and international pilots in air-to-air combat tactics.
Plan, brief, execute and debrief air combat training missions.
Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
Coordinate with AATD and USMA to assist with visits to the UK.

Test pilot vs aircraft pilot skills

Common test pilot skills

FAA, 26%
Pilot-In-Command, 12%
Aircraft Maintenance, 8%
Logistics, 6%
Flight Operations, 6%
Aircraft Systems, 5%

Common aircraft pilot skills

FAA, 38%
Airspace, 11%
Mission Planning, 8%
UAS, 8%
Army Aviation, 6%
Combat, 6%

Test Pilot vs. similar jobs

Test Pilot related careers

Test Pilot related jobs

What similar roles do

Updated January 8, 2025

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