As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Tester II in the United States is $54,240 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $26.
However, a Software Tester II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Tester II'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 II'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 Quality Testing Specialist I | 0-1 years | $47,820 |
| Software Tester II | 1-3 years | $54,238 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist III | 3-5 years | $64,699 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist IV | 5-7 years | $72,706 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 7+ years | $120,600 |
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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.51% |
| Software Testing | 2.91% |
| Software Development | 2.27% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
IDEA
|
$60,206 |
11%
|
|
Social Engineering
|
$59,122 |
9%
|
|
Penetration Testing
|
$58,579 |
8%
|
|
Cybersecurity
|
$58,579 |
8%
|
|
Python
|
$58,037 |
7%
|
|
Software Development
|
$58,037 |
7%
|
Software Tester II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $60,719. While startup companies pay approximate $51,366.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $51,366 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $54,326 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $58,635 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $60,719 |
For Software Tester II 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 Pharmaceuticals and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Tester positions in Hospitality & Leisure or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Tester II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $65,088 | $31.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $62,376 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Financial Services | $62,376 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Software & Networking | $62,376 | $30.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $59,664 | $29.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Software Tester II'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 II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Testing Specialist III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $64,700 - a projected growth of 19% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Tester II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $56,119 in 2023 to around $57,152 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Tester II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $56,119 |
| 2024 | $57,479 |
| 2025 | $57,152 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Tester II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
The average salary for a Software Tester ranges from $48,670 to $60,470, with a mid-range salary of $54,390. This data reflects the typical compensation for this role, which may vary based on experience and location.
Yes, QA is in demand in the USA, with a projected growth of 25% for quality control and testing specialists by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries for Software Testers range from $48,670 to $60,470, with a median salary of $54,390. Local demand varies, but remote opportunities are consistently available.
The average salary for a Software Tester ranges from ₹48,670 to ₹60,470, with a mid-salary of ₹54,390 per year. In contrast, a Software Developer typically earns around ₹7,90,000 annually. These figures can vary based on experience, location, role complexity, and employer.
The salary for a Software Tester typically ranges from $48,670 to $60,470 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $54,390. In comparison, a Software Engineer II at Google earns significantly more, with an average salary of $118,674, reaching up to $173,000 for top earners.
Software Testers in the US typically earn between $48,670 and $60,470 annually, with a median salary around $54,390. These figures reflect the range of salaries based on industry data, providing a clear picture of compensation for this role.
The highest salary for a Software Tester is ₹60,470, with a minimum salary of ₹48,670 and a mid-range salary of ₹54,390. While specific roles like Software Development Engineer in Test Manager and Staff Software Development Engineer in Test may offer higher salaries, the maximum for a Software Tester remains at ₹60,470.
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