✈️ Official Bureau of Labor Statistics & Tech Benchmark (2026)

Flight Test Engineer Salary in San Jose, CA

Detailed compensation breakdown, percentiles, and market demand for Flight Test Engineer in San Jose, CA.

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Verified Compensation Research: Analytically verified by Jobflixs Labor Analytics Team • Primary Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), SEC 10-K filings & H-1B Disclosures (2026). View Methodology →
Demand: +10% (High Demand)
$179,520
/ year (Median Base Pay)
💵 Hourly Equivalent: $86.31/hr
📊 80% Range: $125,120 – $251,600
📍 Regional Multiplier: +36% vs National Baseline
10th % Entry $125,120
25th % Junior $152,320
50th % Median $179,520
75th % Senior $215,560
90th % Top 10% $251,600
Base Annual Salary $179,520
Target Annual Bonus $21,542
Annual Stock / Equity $39,494
Total Compensation (TC) $240,557
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Fact-Checked & Methodologically Verified by the SalaryPulse Research Team.
Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (OEWS Survey), DOL Certified H-1B Disclosures & Public SEC 10-K Filings. Learn about our formula →
Live Opportunities (Salary Transparency)

Verified Flight Test Engineer Openings in San Jose, CA

Top employers actively hiring near or above the $179,520/yr median benchmark.

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Salary Progression by Experience Level in San Jose, CA

Estimated pay progression across career stages for Flight Test Engineer

Entry-Level (0 - 2 yrs)

Junior Flight Test Engineer

Recent graduates and early career entrants.

Median Pay
$125,120
Mid-Level (2 - 5 yrs)

Flight Test Engineer

Autonomous execution and domain proficiency.

Median Pay
$179,520
Senior (5 - 8 yrs)

Senior Flight Test Engineer

System architecture, mentorship, and project leadership.

Median Pay
$215,560
Lead / Principal (8+ yrs)

Staff / Principal

Strategic direction and cross-functional technical decisions.

Median Pay
$251,600

Flight Test Engineer Salary in Other US Locations

Compare regional earnings and cost-of-living adjustments

San Francisco, CA

COL Index: 179.5%
$182,160

San Jose, CA

COL Index: 174.2%
$179,520

New York, NY

COL Index: 186%
$176,880

Seattle, WA

COL Index: 148%
$168,960

Hawaii

COL Index: 179%
$168,960

Oakland, CA

COL Index: 155%
$168,960

Boston, MA

COL Index: 149%
$165,000

California

COL Index: 142%
$165,000

Role Profile & Career Requirements

A Flight Test Engineer leads technical design, operational execution, and industry best practices in their specialized sector. High demand and strong compensation growth projected through 2026-2032.

Required Education
Bachelor's, Master's, or Industry Professional License
Experience Benchmark
2-6 years
10-Year Projected Growth
+10% (High Demand)

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Flight Test Engineer make in San Jose, CA?

The median annual salary for a Flight Test Engineer in San Jose, CA is $179,520, with entry-level professionals earning around $125,120 and top 10% senior specialists earning up to $251,600.

What is the average hourly rate for a Flight Test Engineer in San Jose, CA?

On average, a Flight Test Engineer in San Jose, CA makes approximately $86.31 per hour based on a standard 2,080-hour work year.

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