As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Test Engineer in the United States is $151,230 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $73.
However, a Lead Software Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Software 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Lead Software 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $146,538 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $147,320 |
| Senior Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $148,102 |
| Specialist Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $150,918 |
| Expert Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $156,232 |
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 Software Test Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.83% |
| Open Source | 3.66% |
| Programming | 2.62% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Relationship Management
|
$157,279 |
4%
|
|
Flexibility
|
$155,767 |
3%
|
|
Solution Design
|
$154,255 |
2%
|
|
Attention to Detail
|
$154,255 |
2%
|
|
Innovation
|
$154,255 |
2%
|
|
Insight
|
$154,255 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Software Test Engineers 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 Software Test Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $143,573 and $150,375).
Lead Software Test Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.2% |
| High School | 2.0% |
| Associates | 1.5% |
| Bachelors | 45.8% |
| Masters | 44.0% |
| Doctorate | 6.5% |
Understanding how a Lead Software 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Software Test Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $144,120 in 2023 to around $142,130 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Software Test Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $144,120 |
| 2024 | $143,135 |
| 2025 | $142,130 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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