How much does a Test pilots make

  1. Salary statistics
  2. Test pilots
Image that illustrates Test pilots

Test pilots

69 800 kr

Pilots etc.

53 200 - 87 500 kr / month

Transport

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Test pilots

Average salary 69 800 kr
Males 70 000 kr
Females 0 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 3 Vacant jobs ->

What does a test pilot do? – Tasks and work environment

A test pilot is responsible for testing new or modified aircraft and helicopters before they are put into civil or military service. The tasks include meticulous planning of test flights, documenting flight characteristics, and reporting any technical issues to the engineering team. Test pilots often work closely with aircraft technicians, designers, and project managers to ensure aircraft meet safety and performance standards. The work environment is both technically advanced and risky, as flights are conducted under varying and sometimes challenging conditions. Tests are often performed at airfields, in simulators, and in office settings for data review and analysis.

Salary development over time

The salary for test pilots has shown a downward trend over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 74,400 SEK per month, decreasing to 71 200 SEK in 2023 and further to 69 800 SEK in 2024. This represents a total decline of approximately 6.2% over the period. This development can be explained by factors such as changing demand for test flights, industry efficiency improvements, and increased specialization requirements. Since test pilots are a small and specialized group, salaries can be significantly influenced by individual large recruitment or retirements. Despite the recent decrease, salaries remain well above the average for pilots in general.

Test pilot salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 69 800 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 53,200 SEK/month (female, public sector, post-secondary education shorter than 3 years)
  • Highest salary: 87,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, upper secondary education up to 2 years)
  • Hourly wage (average): 420 SEK
  • Gender differences: Men earn an average of 70 000 SEK/month. Salary data for women is limited, but the highest salary for women is 74,700 SEK/month.
  • Regional differences: Limited data available

Education and qualifications

To work as a test pilot, a solid background in aviation is required, often with several years of experience as a civilian or military pilot. In addition to a pilot license, specialized training in test flying, advanced aircraft technology, and meticulous documentation is needed. Many employers also value a university degree in engineering and experience collaborating with engineering teams.

  • Formal qualifications: Pilot license (commercial or military), technical university degree is advantageous
  • Certifications/courses: Specialized training in test flying (e.g., test pilot training, 1–2 years)
  • Internship/trainee experience: Practical experience in advanced aviation and testing environments
  • Prerequisites: Several years of pilot experience, good technical understanding
  • Tips for selection: Military background can be an advantage, as well as experience with different aircraft models

Many test pilots also contribute to the development of new flight systems by participating in design meetings and providing direct feedback to engineers. The profession thus requires not only flying skills but also the ability to communicate technical observations clearly.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

Test pilots often have access to extensive insurance coverage, wellness allowances, and opportunities for performance-based bonuses. Other common benefits include occupational pensions, access to flight simulators for training, and paid further education in aviation technology or safety. In some cases, flexible working hours and extra vacation days are offered.

Competition and challenges

The competition for positions as a test pilot is very fierce, as it involves a limited number of specialist roles with high requirements for experience and technical expertise. Challenges include rapid technological changes within the aviation industry, high safety standards, and the need for continuous training. Since many employers seek candidates with extensive pilot experience, entering the profession can take a long time. Additionally, the work environment demands high mental and physical endurance, as each test flight involves potential risks and significant responsibility.

Tips for aspiring test pilots

To succeed as a test pilot, it is beneficial to combine technical interest with an analytical mindset and meticulousness. Early in your career, focus on accumulating flight hours across different aircraft types to improve your chances of qualifying for testing roles. Good communication skills are important, as providing feedback to engineers and designers is a central part of the job. Investing in further education in aviation technology and considering military service can provide valuable experience. Resilience and discipline are crucial, especially during testing under pressure. Networking within the aviation industry and participating in international training can also open doors. Finally, demonstrating responsibility and safety awareness in all tasks is vital, as the work often involves risks.

Key facts about Test Pilots

  • Education level: Commercial or military pilot license, often supplemented with test pilot training
  • Work environment: Airfields, simulators, and technical offices
  • Typical employment: Full-time, often project-based
  • Demand: 412 job openings within pilot and related professions
  • Special skills: Advanced aircraft technology, documentation, and risk management

Career paths and future prospects

After three to five years as a test pilot, opportunities exist to advance to leadership roles in aviation safety, training new test pilots, or serving as technical advisors in aircraft development. Some choose to work internationally or specialize in particular aircraft models and advanced testing. The employment agency's forecasts indicate 412 job openings for pilot-related professions, but no specific data is available for test pilots due to limited information. Overall, the job market for experienced pilots is stable, but competition for test pilot roles remains high, with limited positions available.

Frequently asked questions about Test Pilots

  • What does a Test Pilot earn?
    - The average salary for a test pilot is 69 800 SEK per month.
  • How to become a test pilot?
    - It requires a pilot license, several years of experience as a pilot, and specialized training in test flying.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, men earn an average of 70 000 SEK, but salary data for women is limited.
  • What is the highest salary for a test pilot?
    - The highest salary is 87,500 SEK per month and belongs to a man in the public sector.
  • What is the job market like for test pilots?
    - There are 412 job openings within pilot and related professions, but competition for test pilot positions is very high.
  • What personal qualities are important?
    - Attention to detail, technical interest, stress tolerance, and good communication skills are crucial.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-08 19:25:38

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Test pilots is 87500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a upper secondary education, maximum 2 years. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 74700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Test pilots is 53200 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 62900 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 48800 kr 51500 kr
35-44 55900 kr 58100 kr
45-54 72500 kr 74000 kr
55-64 94400 kr 95700 kr
Snitt 67900 kr 69800 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
Register an account before you can comment

To write a comment you need to create an account.

Default Avatar

About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Test pilots has the SSYK code 3153, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

Search salary statistics for occupation
8000 kr
<-|->
90000 kr
Vacant jobs
Show more
Similar occupations
Latest posts
  • Public Opinion - Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Public Opinion

    Opinion Poll Status Novus: Unchanged Support – Social Democrats Largest

    Wed, 19 Nov 2025 - 08:35
  • National Debt - The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    National Debt

    The National Debt – Level, Development, and Significance for Sweden

    Wed, 8 Oct 2025 - 08:00
Salary, Taxes, and Fees
Net salary 31 377
Net salary
31 377
Taxes
11 738
Fees
12 129

With our Swedish tax calculator, you can easily calculate your after-tax income (net salary).

Swedish Church Member

* Updated with 2025 taxes

Explore more topics