As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Engineer, Test Automation in the United States is $111,901 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.
However, a Lead Engineer, Test Automation's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Engineer, Test Automation'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 Lead Engineer, Test Automation'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 |
|---|---|
| Industria... Level Lead Engineer, Test Automation | $76,896 |
| Industria... Level Lead Engineer, Test Automation | $94,846 |
| Lead Engi... Level Lead Engineer, Test Automation | $111,099 |
| Industria... Level Lead Engineer, Test Automation | $124,174 |
| Industria... Level Lead Engineer, Test Automation | $146,241 |
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 Lead Engineer, Test Automations. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.79% |
| Logistics | 1.98% |
| Supply Chain | 1.55% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Azure
|
$120,853 |
8%
|
|
AWS
|
$118,615 |
6%
|
|
Python
|
$118,615 |
6%
|
|
DevOps
|
$117,496 |
5%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$117,496 |
5%
|
|
Linux
|
$116,377 |
4%
|
For Lead Engineer, Test Automation roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Lead Engineer, Test Automation positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Engineer, Test Automation as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $123,091 | $59.0 | 10% |
| Biotechnology | $123,091 | $59.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $123,091 | $59.0 | 10% |
| Chemicals | $123,091 | $59.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $123,091 | $59.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Engineer, Test Automations 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 Lead Engineer, Test Automation with a Bachelor's Degree is between $107,972 and $114,241).
Lead Engineer, Test Automation Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.4% |
| High School | 0.4% |
| Associates | 0.9% |
| Bachelors | 44.4% |
| Masters | 51.1% |
| Doctorate | 3.1% |
Understanding how a Lead Engineer, Test Automation'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, 2026Salaries for a Lead Engineer, Test Automation can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $106,919 in 2023 to around $106,265 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Engineer, Test Automation salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $106,919 |
| 2024 | $107,493 |
| 2025 | $106,265 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Engineer, Test Automation roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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