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Software Test Automation Engineer Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Test Automation Engineer make in the United States?

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Test Automation Engineer in the United States is $112,462 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $54.

However, a Software Test Automation Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $128,212
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $103,886 to $120,706
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $96,078
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Paid Annually Paid Monthly Paid Semimonthly Paid Biweekly Paid Weekly Paid Hourly
View as table View as graph 25% $103,886 10% $96,078 90% $128,212 75% $120,706 $112,462 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Test Automation Engineer Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $120,706 $10,059 $2,321 $58
Average $112,462 $9,372 $2,163 $54
25th Percentile $103,886 $8,657 $1,998 $50
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Key Factors That Influence Software Test Automation Engineer Salaries

A Software Test Automation 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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Test Automation Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Test Automation 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $71,679
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $80,616
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $113,057
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $136,452
  • Expert (over 8 years): $148,854
Levels Salary
Test Engi... Level Software Test Automation Engineer$71,679
Test Engi... Level Software Test Automation Engineer$80,616
Software ... Level Software Test Automation Engineer$113,057
Test Engi... Level Software Test Automation Engineer$136,452
Test Engi... Level Software Test Automation Engineer$148,854
$71,679 0 yr
$80,616 < 2 yrs
$113,057 2-4 yrs
$136,452 5-8 yrs
$148,854 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Test Automation Engineers

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:

  • San Jose: $141,848
  • San Francisco: $140,295
  • Oakland: $137,339

What Skills Can Increase a Software Test Automation Engineer's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 7.75% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Python (Mentioned in 3% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
  • Automated Testing (Mentioned in 2.08% Job Postings): Test automation is the use of software to control the execution of tests and the comparison of predicted to actual outcomes.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 7.75%
Python 3%
Automated Testing 2.08%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Test Automation Engineer's salary.
  • Python: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Debugging: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Networking: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Python
 $115,836
3%
Debugging
 $115,836
3%
Networking
 $115,836
3%
Linux
 $114,711
2%
Collaboration
 $114,711
2%
Innovation
 $113,587
1%
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Software Test Automation Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Test Automation Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 27% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 12% above the average. In contrast, Software Test Automation Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Test Automation Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Test Automation Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$125,957$61.012%
Software & Networking$123,708$59.010%
Biotechnology$121,459$58.08%
Insurance$121,459$58.08%
Internet$121,459$58.08%

How Education impacts a Software Test Automation Engineer's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Test Automation 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 Software Test Automation Engineer with a Associate's Degree is between $105,164 and $109,208).

Software Test Automation Engineer Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Test Automation Engineer
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 1.2%
Associates 6.8%
Bachelors 52.4%
Masters 35.4%
Doctorate 3.3%
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Software Test Automation Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Test Automation 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on August 01, 2026
$103,886
Average $112,462/year
$120,706
$8,657
Average $9,372/month
$10,059
$1,998
Average $2,163/week
$2,321
$50
Average $54/hour
$58
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $120,706 $10,059 $2,321 $58
Average $112,462 $9,372 $2,163 $54
25th Percentile $103,886 $8,657 $1,998 $50

Salaries of jobs related to Software Test Automation Engineer

Salary Trends for Software Test Automation Engineer

Salaries for a Software Test Automation Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $96,635 in 2023 to around $96,448 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Test Automation Engineer salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Test Automation Engineer Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$96,635
2024
$97,048
2025
$96,448
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $96,635
2024 $97,048
2025 $96,448
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Test Automation Engineer

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Test Automation Engineer

Here are companies hiring for Software Test Automation Engineer and their salaries, click below for more details.

Find Your Next Software Test Automation Engineer Job

Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Test Automation Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

United States

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    Maxim Healthcare | Columbus, OH

    Private duty nursing (PDN) allows medically fragile patients to receive quality, skilled nursing care in the comfort of their home: a setting preferred by ... more

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    Columbus, OH

    CDL

    XPO | Columbus, OH

    XPO is Hiring Driver Teams. XPO Teams. As an XPO Team, you’ll run dedicated routes between XPO facilities in. new sleeper. trucks equipped with microwaves ... more

    7 Days Ago

  • Schneider

    Columbus, OH

    Class CDL Company Driver

    Schneider | Columbus, OH

    CDL-A - Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Dedicated Reefer truck driver - Kroger. Average pay. $1,200-$1,450 weekly. Home time. Daily. Experience. Al... more

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  • Summit Recruiting Group

    Columbus, OH

    Dermatology Physician Assistant

    Summit Recruiting Group | Columbus, OH

    NP/PA Dermatology job opening in Columbus, OHPosition Details. Full-time, permanent opening. Experience required. Well-Established Practice. Seeking a NP/P... more

    9 Days Ago

  • GO Staffing

    Columbus, OH

    Surgery

    GO Staffing | Columbus, OH

    Locums - A well respected group has a Trauma Surgery APP opportunity available in Columbus, Ohio. Certified Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant. 1/1/... more

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    Pediatrics Physician

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FAQ about Software Test Automation Engineer

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Test Automation Engineer?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Test Automation Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 12% above the market median.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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