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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Test Lead in Illinois is $107,696 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $52.
However, a Software Test Lead's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Test Lead Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $115,648 | $9,637 | $2,224 | $56 |
| Average | $107,696 | $8,975 | $2,071 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,564 | $8,130 | $1,876 | $47 |
Diversified Services Network, Inc. - Chicago, IL
Diversified Services Network, Inc. - Chicago, IL
DCX-CHOL Enterprises, Inc. - Pekin, IL
Staffing the Universe - Schaumburg, IL
A Software Test Lead'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 Lead'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 |
|---|---|
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $136,575 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $148,988 |
| Software ... Level Software Test Lead | $107,112 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $127,779 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $158,209 |
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 Leads. 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 Software Test Lead roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 115% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Software & Networking sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 40% above the average. In contrast, Software Test Lead positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Test Lead as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pharmaceuticals | $150,775 | $72.0 | 40% |
| Software & Networking | $145,390 | $70.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $140,005 | $67.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $134,620 | $65.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $123,851 | $60.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Software Test Lead'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 | $115,648 | $9,637 | $2,224 | $56 |
| Average | $107,696 | $8,975 | $2,071 | $52 |
| 25th Percentile | $97,564 | $8,130 | $1,876 | $47 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Test Lead job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
J.P. Morgan
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hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION Be an integral part of an agile te... more
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hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION We have an opportunity to impact y... more
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J.P. Morgan
Chicago, IL
J.P. Morgan | Chicago, IL
hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION We have an opportunity to impact y... more
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Eliassen Group
Chicago, IL
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Job Description. Job Description. Description. Hybrid At least 2 days per week in office in Chicago, IL. . Our client seeks a Lead Software Engineer to dri... more
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J.P. Morgan
Chicago, IL
J.P. Morgan | Chicago, IL
hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION We have an opportunity to impact y... more
7 Days Ago
J.P. Morgan
Chicago, IL
J.P. Morgan | Chicago, IL
hackajob is collaborating with J.P. Morgan to connect them with exceptional professionals for this role. JOB DESCRIPTION We have an opportunity to impact y... more
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