As of April 01, 2026, the average annual salary for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in San Diego, CA is $53,736, equivalent to $26 per hour, $1,033 weekly, or $4,478 monthly. These figures, sourced from Salary.com’s real-time job posting scans, highlight competitive earning potential for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in cities like Santa Clara, San Jose, and Fremont.
Annually Salaries for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) in San Diego, CA vary widely, spanning from $41,131 to $68,894. Most professionals fall between the 25th percentile ($47,138) and 75th percentile ($61,670), while top earners (90th percentile) make $68,894 per year. This $14,532 pay gap underscores opportunities for salary growth through certifications, specialized skills like Analysis or Software Testing, or targeting high-paying regions like District of Columbia or California.
Location and experience significantly influence earnings. For example, San Diego Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) often earn 1.9% higher than national averages. However, San Diego currently ranks 135 statewide for Software Development Engineer Test (SDET) job salary. Professionals are advised to focus on high-growth sectors like to offset market challenges.
