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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Test Engineer 2 in California is $97,276 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Test Engineer 2's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Test Engineer 2 Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $107,944 | $8,995 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $97,276 | $8,106 | $1,871 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,300 | $7,358 | $1,698 | $42 |
Vortech - Oxnard, CA
BYD North America - Manteca, CA
Link Consulting Services - Santa Barbara, CA
Subsense - Mountain View, CA
A Test Engineer 2'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 2'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Commercia... Level Test Engineer 2 | $67,603 |
| Commercia... Level Test Engineer 2 | $79,897 |
| Test Engi... Level Test Engineer 2 | $99,146 |
| Commercia... Level Test Engineer 2 | $114,810 |
| Commercia... Level Test Engineer 2 | $130,929 |
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 2s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Test Engineer 2 roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit, offers compensation 10% above the average. Conversely, Test Engineer positions in Business Services typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Test Engineer 2 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $107,003 | $51.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Test Engineer 2'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $107,944 | $8,995 | $2,076 | $52 |
| Average | $97,276 | $8,106 | $1,871 | $47 |
| 25th Percentile | $88,300 | $7,358 | $1,698 | $42 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Test Engineer 2 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Hermeus
Los Angeles, CA
Hermeus | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Hermeus is a venture-backed defense aviation company reclaiming the lost art of rapid iterative prototyping to build the ... more
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Peak Energy
San Francisco, CA
Peak Energy | San Francisco, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Test Engineer, ESS. Location. Burlingame, CA. Department. Engineering. Reports To. Senior Manager, Test Engine... more
8 Days Ago
Elroy Air
Byron, CA
Elroy Air | Byron, CA
Job Description. Job Description. At Elroy Air, we build autonomous vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) cargo drones to change the way the world moves good... more
9 Days Ago
Rantec Power Systems Inc.
Los Osos, CA
Rantec Power Systems Inc. | Los Osos, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Rantec is hiring a Test Engineer. Relocation is supported. . Come join our team. Based in Los Osos, California, located ... more
9 Days Ago
Foxconn Industrial Internet - FII
San Jose, CA
Foxconn Industrial Internet - FII | San Jose, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title: Test Engineer (EPD II). Ingrasys Technology USA, Inc. San Jose, CA & Sunnyvale, CA. What to Expect. This posit... more
9 Days Ago
IESE Solutions
El Segundo, CA
IESE Solutions | El Segundo, CA
Job Description. Job Description. IESE Solutions is seeking a. Test Engineer. to support the United States Space Force's Program Executive Office (PEO) por... more
9 Days Ago
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