Position
Salary

How much does a Test Driver make?

The average salary for a Test Driver is $45,127 per year in the US.

Test drivers play a vital role in ensuring the safety and performance of vehicles. The average yearly salary for a test driver is around $45,127. This role involves a lot of responsibility, and it pays well considering the skill set required. A test driver must be able to handle vehicles in various conditions and report any issues accurately. This is why salaries can vary based on experience and the type of vehicles being tested.

The salary for test drivers can range significantly. About 48.87% of test drivers earn between $32,000 and $40,909 a year. Around 16.22% make between $40,909 and $49,818. As experience and specialization grow, so do the earnings. The top earners, making around $130,000 per year, represent only 1.95% of the field. This indicates that while the average is good, higher salaries are possible with more experience and dedication to the craft.

View Test Driver jobs nearby

What are the highest paying cities for a Test Driver?

Test Driver jobs offer exciting opportunities with competitive salaries in certain cities. Akron, OH, stands out with an average salary of $124,498. For those willing to relocate, Portland, OR, and Ann Arbor, MI, also present attractive average salaries of $53,823 and $48,702, respectively. Job seekers can explore these locations for potentially higher earning potential in the Test Driver field.
Graph displaying highest paying cities salaries for Test Driver jobs, highlighting Akron, OH with the highest at $124,498 and Austin, TX with the lowest at $46,658.
  1. Akron, OH
    Average Salary: $124,498
    Working in Akron as a test driver offers a blend of urban and suburban environments. The city is home to several automotive companies, providing ample opportunities to drive and test new models. Companies like Firestone and Goodrich are prominent here, seeking skilled drivers for their projects.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Akron, OH


  2. Atlanta, GA
    Average Salary: $58,625
    Atlanta is a bustling hub for automotive testing. The city's diverse climate makes it ideal for year-round testing. Companies like Mercedes-Benz and Kia have large operations in the area, offering exciting opportunities to drive and test the latest vehicles.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Atlanta, GA


  3. Greensboro, NC
    Average Salary: $56,182
    Greensboro provides a mix of dynamic urban and rural settings for test drivers. The city’s automotive industry is growing, with companies like Volvo and Michelin present. These companies value skilled drivers who can provide valuable feedback on new models.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Greensboro, NC


  4. Portland, OR
    Average Salary: $53,823
    Portland offers a unique setting for test drivers, with its mix of urban and natural environments. The city’s focus on sustainable transport creates a demand for drivers to test electric and hybrid vehicles. Companies such as Tesla and Subaru are looking for professionals who can navigate various terrains.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Portland, OR


  5. Ann Arbor, MI
    Average Salary: $48,702
    Ann Arbor is a key location for automotive innovation, home to the University of Michigan and several major car companies. Test drivers here often work with Ford and General Motors, testing new technologies in a cutting-edge environment.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Ann Arbor, MI


  6. Dallas, TX
    Average Salary: $47,692
    In Dallas, test drivers benefit from a strong automotive industry presence. The city’s warm climate is perfect for testing vehicles in various conditions. Companies like Ford and Toyota have major operations here, offering diverse opportunities for skilled drivers.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Dallas, TX


  7. Austin, TX
    Average Salary: $46,658
    Austin’s vibrant tech and automotive scene provides exciting opportunities for test drivers. The city’s growing economy attracts many car companies, including Tesla and Apple, which are always on the lookout for skilled professionals.
    Find Test Driver jobs in Austin, TX

What are the best companies a Test Driver can work for?

Roush Industries leads the way for Test Driver jobs, offering an average salary of $54,500. Formel D and Applus provide competitive salaries, with averages of $45,400 and $39,725, respectively. Kett Engineering and Bertrandt also offer promising opportunities, with average salaries of $38,313 and $37,032.
Graph displaying best paying company salaries for Test Driver jobs, highlighting Roush Industries with the highest at $54,500 and Bertrandt with the lowest at $37,032.
  1. Roush Industries
    Average Salary: $54,500
    Roush Industries offers exciting Test Driver jobs. These positions involve driving and testing new vehicles. The company operates across the United States, with locations in Michigan, California, and New York.


  2. Formel D
    Average Salary: $45,400
    Formel D provides rewarding Test Driver positions. Employees get to test cutting-edge vehicles and technology. The company has locations in Germany and the United Kingdom, focusing on innovation in the automotive industry.


  3. Applus
    Average Salary: $39,725
    Applus offers Test Driver jobs that focus on safety and quality. Employees drive and evaluate vehicles in various conditions. The company operates globally with a strong presence in Europe, Asia, and Latin America.


  4. Kett Engineering
    Average Salary: $38,313
    Kett Engineering provides opportunities for Test Drivers to work on high-performance vehicles. The company values innovation and has locations in Germany and the United States, focusing on the development of automotive technology.


  5. Bertrandt
    Average Salary: $37,032
    Bertrandt offers Test Driver positions that involve testing new vehicle designs. The company operates across Europe, the United States, and Asia. Employees gain hands-on experience in automotive engineering and testing.

How to earn more as a Test Driver?

A Test Driver plays a vital role in ensuring vehicles are safe and perform well. Those who excel can find their careers rewarding in more ways than one. One way is through higher earnings. Increasing your income as a Test Driver involves several key factors. Understanding these can help you make the most of your career.

To earn more, focus on these essential factors. First, gaining experience is crucial. The more you drive and test different vehicles, the more valuable you become. Companies often pay more to those with a proven track record. Second, specializing in certain types of vehicles can increase your value. Expertise in luxury cars, SUVs, or electric vehicles can make you more in demand. Third, obtaining advanced certifications can boost your salary. Courses in vehicle technology and safety training show your commitment to the field. Fourth, networking within the industry can open up higher-paying opportunities. Attending trade shows and joining professional organizations can help you connect with employers. Lastly, seeking out roles with larger companies can lead to higher pay. These organizations often have bigger budgets for their test drivers.

Consider these factors to boost your earnings as a Test Driver. Experience, specialization, certifications, networking, and company size all play important roles. By focusing on these, you can increase your income and advance in your career.

  1. Gain experience
  2. Specialize in certain types of vehicles
  3. Obtain advanced certifications
  4. Network within the industry
  5. Seek roles with larger companies

Currently 53 Test Driver job openings, nationwide.

How's the job market for a Test Driver in the US?

Learn what a Test Driver does, how to become one, and understand the job outlook. Get simple steps to start your career as a Test Driver today.
Position
Overview
Test Driver
53 Job Openings