As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead Software Testing Engineer in the United States is $94,675 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $46.
However, a Lead Software Testing Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead Software Testing 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 Testing 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 Testing Engineer | $92,586 |
| Intermediate Level Lead Software Testing Engineer | $92,832 |
| Senior Level Lead Software Testing Engineer | $96,114 |
| Specialist Level Lead Software Testing Engineer | $100,731 |
| Expert Level Lead Software Testing Engineer | $101,061 |
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 Testing Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Planning | 4.88% |
| Anesthesia | 3.92% |
| CPR | 2.11% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Employee Engagement
|
$101,302 |
7%
|
|
Risk Management
|
$100,355 |
6%
|
|
Verbal Communication
|
$100,355 |
6%
|
|
Accountability
|
$100,355 |
6%
|
|
Anesthesia
|
$99,409 |
5%
|
|
Ambulatory Surgery
|
$99,409 |
5%
|
For Lead Software Testing Engineer roles, the industry you choose can impact your earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the highest-paying industry, Healthcare, offers compensation 20% above the average. Conversely, Lead Software Testing Engineer positions in Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as this sector often view Lead Software Testing Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $113,610 | $55.0 | 20% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead Software Testing 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 Lead Software Testing Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $93,081 and $98,871).
Lead Software Testing Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.8% |
| High School | 0.8% |
| Associates | 46.1% |
| Bachelors | 47.7% |
| Masters | 4.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Lead Software Testing 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead Software Testing Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $206,280 in 2023 to around $200,634 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead Software Testing Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $206,280 |
| 2024 | $208,495 |
| 2025 | $200,634 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Lead Software Testing Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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