As of March 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Test Engineer I in the United States is $34, which translates to an annual salary of about $71,093.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Test Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Test Engineer 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Test Engineer I | 0-2 years | $71,093 |
| Test Engineer II | 2-4 years | $79,975 |
| Test Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,097 |
| Test Engineer IV | 7+ years | $135,281 |
| Test Engineer V | 7-10 years | $147,692 |
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 Test Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.88% |
| Java | 3.23% |
| Automated Testing | 2.07% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
AWS
|
$76,070 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$74,648 |
5%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$73,937 |
4%
|
|
Linux
|
$73,937 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$73,226 |
3%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$73,226 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Test Engineer Is enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Test Engineer I with a Associate's Degree is between $72,482 and $75,542).
Test Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 5.9% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 64.9% |
| Masters | 20.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.0% |
Understanding how a Test Engineer 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 March 01, 2026
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Interacts with other engineering groups to define, document, analyze, perform, and interpret tests for products, systems, components, or modifications. Identifies functional problems and suggests resolutions. Assists in the definition of internal quality control standards and the maintenance of reliability programs. Documents and analyzes test cases and provides regular progress reports. Ensures testing procedures are in compliance with any required industry specific standards. Requires a bachelor's degree of Engineering. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience.
Specify the abilities and skills that a person needs in order to carry out the specified job duties. Each competency has five to ten behavioral assertions that can be observed, each with a corresponding performance level (from one to five) that is required for a particular job.
Analysis: Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
Java: Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
Automated Testing: Test automation is the use of software to control the execution of tests and the comparison of predicted to actual outcomes.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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