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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Test Engineer in North Carolina is $143,669 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $69.
However, a Lead Software Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Lead Software Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $152,799 | $12,733 | $2,938 | $73 |
| Average | $143,669 | $11,972 | $2,763 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,692 | $11,058 | $2,552 | $64 |
Eliassen Group - Durham, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
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 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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $101,938 |
| Software ... Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $124,838 |
| Lead Soft... Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $144,431 |
| Software ... Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $166,036 |
| Software ... Level Lead Software Test Engineer | $164,463 |
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:
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 Lead Software Test Engineer 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, Lead Software Test Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Lead Software Test Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $179,587 | $86.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $172,403 | $83.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $165,220 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $165,220 | $79.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $158,036 | $76.0 | 10% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $152,799 | $12,733 | $2,938 | $73 |
| Average | $143,669 | $11,972 | $2,763 | $69 |
| 25th Percentile | $132,692 | $11,058 | $2,552 | $64 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Lead Software Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Mondo
Charlotte, NC
Mondo | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Lead Software Engineer. Location-Type. Irving, TX- Hybrid 3 days onsite. Start Date Is. June 22. Duration. 6 m... more
7 Days Ago
Eliassen Group
Durham, NC
Eliassen Group | Durham, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. On-site in Durham, NC. . Our client seeks a Lead Java Developer and Architect to design, architect, and deli... more
7 Days Ago
Google Inc.
Raleigh, NC
Google Inc. | Raleigh, NC
Google is seeking a Software Engineering Manager for Google Meet Infrastructure. The role blends technical leadership with people management, guiding multi... more
9 Days Ago
Icon Aerospace
Indian Trail, NC
Icon Aerospace | Indian Trail, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Automated Test Equipment Lead. FAA Part 145 Repair Station. We are seeking a. hands on Senior Avionics Test Engineer Team... more
6 Days Ago
FIBERTEK, INC.
OAK HILL, VA
FIBERTEK, INC. | OAK HILL, VA
Req Id: 127 Job Title: Systems Integrator / Test Engineer Location: Herndon, VA - Herndon, VA 20171 US (Primary) Job Description: Fibertek, Inc. is a leadi... more
9 Days Ago
Trane Technologies
WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
Trane Technologies | WHITE BEAR LAKE, MN
Be a part of our mission. As a world leader in creating comfortable, sustainable, and efficient climate solutions for buildings, homes and transportation, ... more
5 Days Ago
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