As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Engineering Manager I in the United States is $126,624 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $61.
However, a Test Engineering Manager I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Test Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Manager 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 IV | 7+ years | $135,281 |
| Test Engineer V | 7-10 years | $147,692 |
| Test Engineering Supervisor | 10+ years | $106,150 |
| Test Engineering Manager I | 10+ years | $126,624 |
| Test Engineering Manager II | 10+ years | $156,751 |
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 Engineering Manager Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 6.33% |
| Electrical Engineering | 2.4% |
| Data Entry | 1.31% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Container
|
$135,488 |
7%
|
|
Semiconductors
|
$134,221 |
6%
|
|
Test Engineering
|
$131,689 |
4%
|
|
SOP
|
$130,423 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$130,423 |
3%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$130,423 |
3%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Test Engineering Manager Is enter the field with a Bachelor'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 Engineering Manager I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $133,982 and $141,049).
Test Engineering Manager I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.8% |
| High School | 1.8% |
| Associates | 4.5% |
| Bachelors | 50.0% |
| Masters | 42.0% |
| Doctorate | 1.8% |
Understanding how a Test Engineering Manager 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, 2026For a Test Engineering Manager I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Test Engineering Manager II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $156,751 - a projected growth of 24% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Test Engineering Manager I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Test Engineering Manager I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Test Engineering Manager 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 Engineering Manager I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Test Engineering Manager I is $159,711.
The highest pay for Test Engineering Manager I is $150,554.
The lowest pay for Test Engineering Manager I is $103,125.
Responsible for managing the evaluation, recommendation and implementation of testing procedures and strategies for products, systems, components, or modifications. Acts as advisor to test engineering team regarding projects, tasks, and operations and acts as a liaison to other engineering functions. Ensures projects are completed on time and within budget. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a unit/department head. Manages subordinate staff in the day-to-day performance of their jobs. True first level manager. Ensures that project/department milestones/goals are met and adhering to approved budgets. Has full authority for personnel actions. Extensive knowledge of department processes. Typically requires 5 years experience in the related area as an individual contributor. 1 to 3 years supervisory experience may be required.
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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