Software Test Engineer Salary Guide
A Software Test Engineer designs, executes, and maintains tests (manual and automated) to ensure software quality. Responsibilities include writing test plans, creating automation scripts, reporting defects, collaborating with developers, and improving test frameworks and CI/CD pipelines.
What is the average Software Test Engineer salary?
Entry Level
$60,000 - $85,000
Mid Level
$85,000 - $120,000
Senior Level
$120,000 - $170,000
How does Software Test Engineer salary grow with experience?
Software Test Engineer salary by location
What factors affect a Software Test Engineer's salary?
- Technical specialization (test automation, performance, security)
- Programming ability and familiarity with CI/CD and cloud platforms
- Company size, industry (finance, healthcare, consumer tech), and funding stage
- Geographic location or company remote pay policy
- Seniority, leadership responsibilities, and relevant certifications
Frequently Asked Questions About Software Test Engineer Salaries
What is the average salary for a Software Test Engineer in the U.S.?
Average U.S. ranges: Entry $60k–$85k, Mid $85k–$120k, Senior $120k–$170k. Total compensation may be higher with bonuses, equity, or strong automation skillsets.
Which skills most increase a Test Engineer's pay?
Test automation (Selenium, Cypress), programming (Python, Java), CI/CD experience, performance and security testing, and cloud platform familiarity (AWS/Azure/GCP) typically command higher salaries.
How does location affect Test Engineer salaries?
Tech hubs pay notably more: San Francisco and NYC generally top the scale, Seattle and Austin pay competitive mid-to-high ranges, while remote or smaller markets tend to be lower but can match depending on company policies.
What is the typical progression for salary by experience?
Early-career (0–2 yrs) starts near entry range, mid-career (3–6 yrs) moves into mid-range, senior (7+ yrs) reaches senior band and may add leadership/architect responsibilities for further increases.
Earn what you're worth as a Software Test Engineer
A strong resume gets you to the negotiation table. Build one tailored to your role and level.
Build Your Resume NowExplore Related Salary Guides
See how salaries compare across similar roles in the same field.