As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Tester I in South Dakota is $43,460 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $21.
However, a Software Tester I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Tester I's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Tester I's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Tester I | 0-1 years | $43,459 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist II | 1-3 years | $49,291 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist III | 3-5 years | $58,798 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist IV | 5-7 years | $66,075 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 7+ years | $109,601 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract Software Tester Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Software Tester I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $48,651. While startup companies pay approximate $41,158.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $41,158 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $43,529 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $46,981 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $48,651 |
For Software Tester I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Tester positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Tester I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $52,152 | $25.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $49,979 | $24.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $47,806 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $47,806 | $23.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $47,806 | $23.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Software Tester I's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a Software Tester I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Testing Specialist II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $49,300 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Tester I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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