Test pilot vs co pilot

The differences between test pilots and co 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 a co pilot. Additionally, a test pilot has an average salary of $96,060, which is higher than the $93,703 average annual salary of a co pilot.

The top three skills for a test pilot include FAA, pilot-in-command and aircraft maintenance. The most important skills for a co pilot are FAA, PIC, and flight operations.

Test pilot vs co pilot overview

	Test Pilot	Co Pilot
Yearly salary	$96,060	$93,703
Hourly rate	$46.18	$45.05
Growth rate	6%	6%
Number of jobs	20,665	7,852
Job satisfaction	-	5
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Average age	44	44
Years of experience	4	4

Test pilot vs co pilot salary

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

	Test Pilot	Co Pilot
Average salary	$96,060	$93,703
Salary range	Between $67,000 And $137,000	Between $72,000 And $121,000
Highest paying City	Mountain View, CA	-
Highest paying state	California	-
Best paying company	Learjet	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between test pilot and co pilot education

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

	Test Pilot	Co Pilot
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 61%	Bachelor's Degree, 59%
Most common major	Aviation	Aviation
Most common college	Stanford University	SUNY Farmingdale

Test pilot vs co pilot demographics

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

	Test Pilot	Co Pilot
Average age	44	44
Gender ratio	Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7%	Male, 83.8% Female, 16.2%
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, 2.6% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 6.8% Asian, 2.7% White, 82.1% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.3%
LGBT Percentage	9%	9%

Differences between test pilot and co 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.

Co pilot example responsibilities.

Lead performance analysis, plan test sequences, document test details, and liaise with engineers and FAA representatives.
Operate company-owned aircraft in compliance with all FAA regulations and international procedures.
Assist with all aspects of administration, logistics and equipment inventory, ensuring successful financial execution.
Conduct pilot proficiency and standardization evaluations in both A320 aircraft and simulator.

Test pilot vs co pilot skills

Common test pilot skills

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

Common co pilot skills

FAA, 44%
PIC, 40%
Flight Operations, 8%
SIC, 3%
ISR, 2%
Corporate Aircraft, 1%