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Test Engineer II Salary in the United States

How much does a Test Engineer II make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Engineer II in the United States is $79,968 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.

However, a Test Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $92,986
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $73,302 to $86,782
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,233
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Test Engineer II Salaries

A Test Engineer 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Test Engineer II Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Test Engineer 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:

  • Test Engineer I (0-2 years): $71,103
  • Test Engineer II (2-4 years): $79,968
  • Test Engineer III (4-7 years): $112,149
  • Test Engineer IV (7+ years): $135,356
  • Test Engineer V (7-10 years): $147,658
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Test Engineer I0-2 years$71,103
Test Engineer II2-4 years$79,968
Test Engineer III4-7 years$112,149
Test Engineer IV7+ years$135,356
Test Engineer V7-10 years$147,658
View as Graph

How Do Test Engineer IIs Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $88,541.
  • California: $88,205.
  • Massachusetts: $87,029.

Top Paying Cities for Test Engineer II

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $100,864
  • San Francisco: $99,759
  • Oakland: $97,657

What Skills Can Increase a Test Engineer II's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.03% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Java (Mentioned in 2.7% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
  • Programming (Mentioned in 1.93% Job Postings): Executing logic to facilitate computing operations and functionality in one or more languages.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.03%
Java 2.7%
Programming 1.93%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Test Engineer II's salary.

  • Insight: Can increase your salary by up to 11%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 9%.
  • Test Automation: Can increase your salary by up to 8%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Insight $88,764
11%
Python $87,165
9%
Test Automation $86,365
8%
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Test Engineer II Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Test Engineer II salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,520. While startup companies pay approximate $75,731.

Test Engineer II Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $75,731
Growth Stage 51~500 $80,095
Established 501~5000 $86,447
Enterprise 5000+ $89,520

Test Engineer II Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Test Engineer 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 Internet and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Test Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Test Engineer II as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Test Engineer II

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Internet$95,962$46.020%
Pharmaceuticals$94,362$45.018%
Biotechnology$91,963$44.015%
Insurance$89,564$43.012%
Energy & Utilities$87,965$42.010%

How Education impacts an Test Engineer II's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Test Engineer II enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.

According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for an Test Engineer II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $85,373 and $89,022.

Test Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Test Engineer II
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.8%
High School 1.8%
Associates 6.0%
Bachelors 62.5%
Masters 28.5%
Doctorate 1.2%
View as Graph

Test Engineer II Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Test Engineer 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, 2026
$73,302
Average $79,968/year
$86,782
$6,109
Average $6,664/month
$7,232
$1,410
Average $1,538/week
$1,669
$35
Average $38/hour
$42
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $86,782 $7,232 $1,669 $42
Average $79,968 $6,664 $1,538 $38
25th Percentile $73,302 $6,109 $1,410 $35

Test Engineer II Salary Growth & Career Path

Test Engineer II

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Advancement

For a Test Engineer II, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Test Engineer III role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $112,149 - a projected growth of 40% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Test Engineer II

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Test Engineer II

Here are companies hiring for Test Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Test Engineer II

1. Where can a Test Engineer II earn the most?

A Test Engineer II'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 II earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Test Engineer II is $100,864.

2. What is the highest pay for Test Engineer II?

The highest pay for Test Engineer II is $92,986.

3. What is the lowest pay for Test Engineer II?

The lowest pay for Test Engineer II is $67,233.

4. What are the responsibilities of Test Engineer II?

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. Defines 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. May coordinate with vendors or suppliers to modify or develop testing for components or other parts. Requires a bachelor's degree of Engineering. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Gains exposure to some of the complex tasks within the job function. Occasionally directed in several aspects of the work. Typically requires 2 to 4 years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Test Engineer II?

The Internet industry offers the highest average compensation for Test Engineer II roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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