Systems Test Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Systems Test Engineer make in the United States?

As of April 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Test Engineer in the United States is $72,680 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Systems Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $82,631
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,615 to $77,888
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,003
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View as table View as graph 25% $67,615 10% $63,003 90% $82,631 75% $77,888 $72,680 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Systems Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,888 $6,491 $1,498 $37
Average $72,680 $6,057 $1,398 $35
25th Percentile $67,615 $5,635 $1,300 $33
Check out Systems Test Engineer Job Openings in the United States
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L3Harris Technologies - Shandon, OH

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Key Factors That Influence Systems Test Engineer Salaries

A Systems Test Engineer'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.

How Experience Level Affects Systems Test Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Test Engineer'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $72,297
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $81,326
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $114,001
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $137,581
  • Expert (over 8 years): $150,182
Levels Salary
Systems T... Level Systems Test Engineer$72,297
Test Engi... Level Systems Test Engineer$81,326
Test Engi... Level Systems Test Engineer$114,001
Test Engi... Level Systems Test Engineer$137,581
Test Engi... Level Systems Test Engineer$150,182
$72,297 0 yr
$81,326 < 2 yrs
$114,001 2-4 yrs
$137,581 5-8 yrs
$150,182 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Systems Test Engineers

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:

  • San Jose: $91,671
  • San Francisco: $90,769
  • Oakland: $88,756

What Skills Can Increase a Systems Test Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 6.88% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Java (Mentioned in 3.23% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
  • Automated Testing (Mentioned in 2.07% Job Postings): Test automation is the use of software to control the execution of tests and the comparison of predicted to actual outcomes.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 6.88%
Java 3.23%
Automated Testing 2.07%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Systems Test Engineer's salary.
  • AWS: Can increase your salary by up to 7%.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 5%.
  • Jenkins: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
AWS
$77,767
7%
Python
$76,313
5%
Jenkins
$75,587
4%
Linux
$75,587
4%
Computer Science
$74,860
3%
Troubleshooting
$74,860
3%
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How Education impacts a Systems Test Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Test Engineers enter the field with a Associate'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 Systems Test Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $72,482 and $75,542).

Systems Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Systems Test Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.4%
High School 5.9%
Associates 7.3%
Bachelors 64.9%
Masters 20.5%
Doctorate 1.0%
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Systems Test Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Systems Test Engineer'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 April 01, 2026

Salary Trends for Systems Test Engineer

Salaries for a Systems Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $68,679 in 2023 to around $68,476 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Test Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Systems Test Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$68,679
2024
$68,768
2025
$68,476
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $68,679
2024 $68,768
2025 $68,476
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Systems Test Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Systems Test Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Systems Test Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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