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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manual Software Tester in California is $88,857 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a Manual Software Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Manual Software Tester Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $96,233 | $8,019 | $1,851 | $46 |
| Average | $88,857 | $7,405 | $1,709 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,983 | $6,499 | $1,500 | $37 |
Saalex - Ridgecrest, CA
TransForce Inc. - LEMING, TX
MSC Industrial Supply Co. - CHICOPEE, MA
Total Machining Solutions, LLC. - SPRING, TX
A Manual Software Tester'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 Manual Software Tester'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 |
|---|---|
| Assistant... Level Manual Software Tester | $61,556 |
| Assistant... Level Manual Software Tester | $76,320 |
| Manual So... Level Manual Software Tester | $89,612 |
| Regional ... Level Manual Software Tester | $261,847 |
| VP of Bra... Level Manual Software Tester | $323,541 |
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 Manual Software Testers. 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 Manual Software Tester 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 Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit and Retail & Wholesale sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Manual Software Tester positions in Business Services or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manual Software Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit | $115,514 | $56.0 | 30% |
Understanding how a Manual Software Tester'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 | $96,233 | $8,019 | $1,851 | $46 |
| Average | $88,857 | $7,405 | $1,709 | $43 |
| 25th Percentile | $77,983 | $6,499 | $1,500 | $37 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Manual Software Tester job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
American Shoe Machinery
BEVERLY, KY
American Shoe Machinery | BEVERLY, KY
At a glance Company: American Shoe Machinery Company (ASMC) Location: Beverly, MA Pay: $25–$45/hour DOE Job Type: Temporary (Full-Time or Part-Time) Shift:... more
23 Days Ago
Total Machining Solutions, LLC.
SPRING, TX
Total Machining Solutions, LLC. | SPRING, TX
At a Glance Company: Total Machining Solutions, LLC. Location: Spring, TX (19137 Northpine Dr, Spring, TX 77388) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $35.00 - $4... more
1 Month Ago
Exquisite Software
SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Exquisite Software | SCOTTSDALE, AZ
Job Summary Exquisite Software is looking for an experienced software development engineer. Responsibilities • Write high-quality, efficient, testable code... more
4 Days Ago
Industrial Services of Peachtree City
PEACHTREE CITY, GA
Industrial Services of Peachtree City | PEACHTREE CITY, GA
At a Glance Company: Industrial Services of Peachtree City Location: Peachtree City, GA (On-Site) Job Type: Full-Time Pay Range: $25–$35 per hour (based on... more
1 Month Ago
HPC Industrial powered by Clean Harbors
MASSILLON, OH
HPC Industrial powered by Clean Harbors | MASSILLON, OH
HPC Industrial, powered by Clean Harbors, is seeking a CDL A/B Driver / Equipment Operator to support industrial cleaning and environmental projects for en... more
4 Days Ago
HPC Industrial powered by Clean Harbors
OSNABURG, OH
HPC Industrial powered by Clean Harbors | OSNABURG, OH
HPC Industrial, powered by Clean Harbors, is seeking a CDL A/B Driver / Equipment Operator to support industrial cleaning and environmental projects for en... more
5 Days Ago
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