As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Engineer V in District of Columbia is $163,495 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $79.
However, a Test Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Test Engineer V'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 Test Engineer V'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 III | 4-7 years | $124,159 |
| Test Engineer IV | 7+ years | $149,850 |
| Test Engineer V | 7-10 years | $163,495 |
| Test Engineering Supervisor | 10+ years | $117,535 |
| Test Engineering Manager I | 10+ years | $140,211 |
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 Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Test Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $182,867. While startup companies pay approximate $154,651.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $154,651 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $163,568 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $176,593 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $182,867 |
For Test Engineer V 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 Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Test Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Test Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $196,194 | $94.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $196,194 | $94.0 | 20% |
| Chemicals | $196,194 | $94.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $196,194 | $94.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $196,194 | $94.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a Test Engineer V'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 July 01, 2026For a Test Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Test Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $117,535 - a projected growth of -28% over your current level.
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