As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Development Engineer in test in Illinois is $84,503 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $41.
However, a Software Development Engineer in test's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Development Engineer in test Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $90,914 | $7,576 | $1,748 | $44 |
| Average | $84,503 | $7,042 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,562 | $6,463 | $1,492 | $37 |
Fitch Group - Chicago, IL
Diversified Services Network, Inc. - Chicago, IL
Joy Family Dentistry - LEWISTON, ME
APT Healthcare - CUMBERLAND, MD
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.
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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test | $84,032 |
| Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test | $108,141 |
| Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test | $132,435 |
| Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test | $153,223 |
| Software ... Level Software Development Engineer in test | $176,138 |
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 Software Development 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 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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $105,629 | $51.0 | 25% |
| Insurance | $101,404 | $49.0 | 20% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $97,179 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Internet | $97,179 | $47.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $92,954 | $45.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $90,914 | $7,576 | $1,748 | $44 |
| Average | $84,503 | $7,042 | $1,625 | $41 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,562 | $6,463 | $1,492 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Development Engineer in test job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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