As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Engineer I in the United States is $71,089 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.
However, a Test Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $71,089 |
| Test Engineer II | 2-4 years | $79,978 |
| Test Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,075 |
| Test Engineer IV | 7+ years | $135,250 |
| Test Engineer V | 7-10 years | $147,706 |
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
|
$76,065 |
7%
|
|
Python
|
$74,643 |
5%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$73,933 |
4%
|
|
Linux
|
$73,933 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$73,222 |
3%
|
|
Troubleshooting
|
$73,222 |
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 January 01, 2026For a Test Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Test Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $79,978 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Test Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Test Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Test Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Test Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Test Engineer I is $89,665.
The highest pay for Test Engineer I is $80,744.
The lowest pay for Test Engineer I is $61,424.
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.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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