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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Software Engineer in Test in Virginia is $154,566 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.
However, a Senior Software Engineer in Test's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Software Engineer in Test Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $165,013 | $13,751 | $3,173 | $79 |
| Average | $154,566 | $12,881 | $2,972 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,895 | $11,991 | $2,767 | $69 |
CertiPath Inc - Reston, VA
Research Innovations - Alexandria, VA
AERMOR LLC - Norfolk, VA
10novate, Inc. - Arlington, VA
A Senior Software Engineer in Test'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 Senior Software Engineer in Test'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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Senior Software Engineer in Test | $108,550 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Engineer in Test | $132,934 |
| Senior So... Level Senior Software Engineer in Test | $153,798 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Engineer in Test | $176,804 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Engineer in Test | $175,129 |
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 Senior Software Engineer in Tests. 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 Senior Software Engineer in Test roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Senior Software Engineer in Test positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Software Engineer in Test as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $193,208 | $93.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $185,480 | $89.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $177,751 | $85.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $177,751 | $85.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $170,023 | $82.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Software Engineer in Test'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 | $165,013 | $13,751 | $3,173 | $79 |
| Average | $154,566 | $12,881 | $2,972 | $74 |
| 25th Percentile | $143,895 | $11,991 | $2,767 | $69 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Software Engineer in Test job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Sparks Group
McLean, VA
Sparks Group | McLean, VA
Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJob Summary / Company :Our client is looking for a fully remote QA / Test Engineer.Due to end client requirements, only US Ci... more
8 Days Ago
A&M Technologies, Inc.
Sterling, VA
A&M Technologies, Inc. | Sterling, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Active TS/SCI w/ CI Poly required. On-site position. Must have Sec+ or better. Required Education, Experience, & Skills. ... more
7 Days Ago
Synergy ECP
Sterling, VA
Synergy ECP | Sterling, VA
Job Description. Job Description. NetServices (NSI) is an IT services firm with a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, cost-effective solu... more
4 Days Ago
AERMOR LLC
Norfolk, VA
AERMOR LLC | Norfolk, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Location. Norfolk, VA. Clearance. Secret. Position Type. Full-Time. AERMOR. is seeking a. Senior Test and Evaluation (T&E... more
5 Days Ago
Solvarus
Chantilly, VA
Solvarus | Chantilly, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Solvarus Consulting is dedicated to solving the toughest challenges facing the Intelligence Community and Department of D... more
8 Days Ago
9th Way Insignia
Ashburn, VA
9th Way Insignia | Ashburn, VA
Job Description. Job Description. 9th Way Insignia is a service-disabled, veteran-owned small business bringing transformative technology to our government... more
8 Days Ago
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