ETP Rates of Pay – Engineering Test Pilot (Government of Canada)
ETP rates of pay for all ETP (Engineering Test Pilot) levels in the Canadian federal public service, 2026. Salaries range from $158,684 to $186,445 across 1 level. Category: Technical & IT. Source: Treasury Board collective agreements.
ETP – Engineering Test Pilot
$158,684 – $186,445
$6,103 – $7,171 biweekly (before deductions)
1 level · Salary data from Treasury Board collective agreements
Rates effective from 2026-01-26 · Last verified 2026-04-16 · methodology
All ETP Levels
| Level | Steps | Step 1 | Max Step |
|---|---|---|---|
| ETP-01 | 7 | $158,684 | $186,445 |
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About the ETP Classification
The ETP (Engineering Test Pilot) group is one of the smallest and most specialized classifications in the entire federal public service. ETP employees are qualified test pilots who fly experimental or modified aircraft as part of defence research and development programs. They work primarily with the Department of National Defence and Defence Research and Development Canada, conducting flight testing to evaluate aircraft performance, weapons systems, avionics, and other aerospace technologies.
ETP positions require military or civilian test pilot school graduation, extensive flying experience (typically thousands of hours), and the ability to conduct systematic flight test evaluations. These are among the most exclusive qualifications in any federal classification. The work involves flying aircraft under non-standard conditions to test limits, evaluate modifications, and gather engineering data — inherently high-risk work that demands exceptional skill and judgment.
The extremely small size of the ETP group reflects the narrow scope of federal flight testing in Canada. Most military flight testing is conducted by serving CAF personnel rather than civilian federal employees, making ETP positions rare. Compensation reflects the extraordinary qualifications required, but federal test pilot pay remains below what commercial airlines and aerospace companies offer to similarly qualified pilots.
Want to know your take-home pay after taxes and deductions? Use the take-home pay calculator or compare ETP with other classifications.