Software Development Engineer in test Salary in District of Columbia

How much does a Software Development Engineer in test make in District of Columbia?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Development Engineer in test in District of Columbia is $91,791 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $44.

However, a Software Development Engineer in test's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $105,094
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $84,250 to $98,754
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $77,385
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View as table View as graph 25% $84,250 10% $77,385 90% $105,094 75% $98,754 $91,791 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Development Engineer in test Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $98,754 $8,230 $1,899 $47
Average $91,791 $7,649 $1,765 $44
25th Percentile $84,250 $7,021 $1,620 $41
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Key Factors That Influence Software Development Engineer in test Salaries

A Software Development 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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Development Engineer in test Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Development 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $91,279
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $117,467
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $143,856
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $166,436
  • Expert (over 8 years): $191,328
Levels Salary
Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test$91,279
Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test$117,467
Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test$143,856
Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test$166,436
Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test$191,328
$91,279 0 yr
$117,467 < 2 yrs
$143,856 2-4 yrs
$166,436 5-8 yrs
$191,328 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Development Engineer in tests

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:

  • Parcel Return Service: $91,292
  • Washington: $91,293
  • Naval Anacost Annex: $91,289

Software Development Engineer in test Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Development Engineer in test roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 50% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Insurance sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Development Engineer in test positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Development Engineer in test as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Development Engineer in test

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Biotechnology$114,738$55.025%
Insurance$110,149$53.020%
Aerospace & Defense$105,559$51.015%
Internet$105,559$51.015%
Energy & Utilities$100,970$49.010%

Software Development Engineer in test Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Development 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.

  • Yearly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Hourly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$84,250
Average $91,791/year
$98,754
$7,021
Average $7,649/month
$8,230
$1,620
Average $1,765/week
$1,899
$41
Average $44/hour
$47
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $98,754 $8,230 $1,899 $47
Average $91,791 $7,649 $1,765 $44
25th Percentile $84,250 $7,021 $1,620 $41

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Cost of Living In District of Columbia

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