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The differences between test pilots and corporate 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 corporate pilot. Additionally, a test pilot has an average salary of $96,060, which is higher than the $87,661 average annual salary of a corporate pilot.
The top three skills for a test pilot include FAA, pilot-in-command and aircraft maintenance. The most important skills for a corporate pilot are FAA, pilot-in-command, and PIC.
| Test Pilot | Corporate Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $96,060 | $87,661 |
| Hourly rate | $46.18 | $42.14 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 20,665 | 12,371 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| 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.
Typically working for large companies, a corporate pilot's role is to operate company aircraft for official work trips. Their responsibilities include coordinating with airports, directing and overseeing flight crew, preparing and processing documentation, and adhering to all the protocols and safety checks to ensure safety and efficiency. There are also instances where they must meet and greet passengers, file itinerary plans, and resolve issues and concerns. Furthermore, a corporate pilot must perform regular inspections and maintain an active communication line with staff on land and within the aircraft.
Test pilots and corporate pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Pilot | Corporate Pilot | |
| Average salary | $96,060 | $87,661 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $137,000 | Between $63,000 And $120,000 |
| 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 a corporate pilot in terms of educational background:
| Test Pilot | Corporate Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 71% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | Stanford University |
Here are the differences between test pilots' and corporate pilots' demographics:
| Test Pilot | Corporate Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 94.0% Female, 6.0% |
| 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% |