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The differences between test pilots and aviators 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 aviator. Additionally, an aviator has an average salary of $97,217, which is higher than the $96,060 average annual salary of a test pilot.
The top three skills for a test pilot include FAA, pilot-in-command and aircraft maintenance. The most important skills for an aviator are aircraft systems, flight safety, and flight training.
| Test Pilot | Aviator | |
| Yearly salary | $96,060 | $97,217 |
| Hourly rate | $46.18 | $46.74 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 20,665 | 3,482 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 4 |
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.
An aviator, also known as a pilot, operates aircraft for commercial or private use. Although their duties vary upon their company or industry of employment, it usually entails performing regular inspections before and after every flight, coordinating with staff, maintaining an active communication line with air traffic controller, determining routes and schedules, analyzing flight plans, and monitoring the weather conditions. Moreover, as an aviator, it is essential to be proactive and professional in dealing with issues and concerns.
Test pilots and aviators have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average salary | $96,060 | $97,217 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $137,000 | Between $76,000 And $122,000 |
| 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 test pilot and an aviator in terms of educational background:
| Test Pilot | Aviator | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 86% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aerospace Engineering |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test pilots' and aviators' demographics:
| Test Pilot | Aviator | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 94.7% Female, 5.3% |
| 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, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 7.0% Asian, 2.7% White, 81.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3% |
| LGBT Percentage | 9% | 9% |