As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Test Engineer in California is $79,354 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, a Software Test Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Test Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $85,033 | $7,086 | $1,635 | $41 |
| Average | $79,354 | $6,613 | $1,526 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,823 | $6,152 | $1,420 | $35 |
RIX INDUSTRIES - Benicia, CA
Synergis - Cupertino, CA
IC Resources - Fremont, CA
IC Resources - Alameda, CA
A 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 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 Software Test Engineer | $78,936 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Engineer | $88,791 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Engineer | $124,481 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Engineer | $150,232 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Engineer | $163,965 |
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 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:
Understanding how a 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 | $85,033 | $7,086 | $1,635 | $41 |
| Average | $79,354 | $6,613 | $1,526 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,823 | $6,152 | $1,420 | $35 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Test Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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