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The differences between test pilots and line 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 line pilot. Additionally, a line pilot has an average salary of $96,403, 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 a line pilot are EMS, helicopter, and federal aviation.
| Test Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Yearly salary | $96,060 | $96,403 |
| Hourly rate | $46.18 | $46.35 |
| Growth rate | 6% | 6% |
| Number of jobs | 20,665 | 47,582 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| 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.
A line pilot or pilot monitor is responsible for the safe operation and procedures of a company's aircraft. They see to it that an airline is implementing regulations under state and local rules. A pilot monitor communicates accurately and effectively with the passengers, staff, aircraft officials, crew members, and other authorities. They inspect and monitor if the cargo and packages are kept properly. This career is for a person who has management and organizational skills.
Test pilots and line pilots have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Test Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average salary | $96,060 | $96,403 |
| Salary range | Between $67,000 And $137,000 | 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 test pilot and a line pilot in terms of educational background:
| Test Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 61% | Bachelor's Degree, 63% |
| Most common major | Aviation | Aviation |
| Most common college | Stanford University | SUNY Farmingdale |
Here are the differences between test pilots' and line pilots' demographics:
| Test Pilot | Line Pilot | |
| Average age | 44 | 44 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 91.3% Female, 8.7% | Male, 89.3% Female, 10.7% |
| 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% |