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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Test Lead in North Carolina is $100,406 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.
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 | $107,819 | $8,985 | $2,073 | $52 |
| Average | $100,406 | $8,367 | $1,931 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,959 | $7,580 | $1,749 | $44 |
Eliassen Group - Durham, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
Disney Entertainment and ESPN Product & Technology Careers - Morrisville, NC
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 | $127,330 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $138,902 |
| Software ... Level Software Test Lead | $99,861 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $119,130 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Lead | $147,499 |
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 | $140,568 | $68.0 | 40% |
| Software & Networking | $135,548 | $65.0 | 35% |
| Financial Services | $130,528 | $63.0 | 30% |
| Internet | $125,507 | $60.0 | 25% |
| Biotechnology | $115,467 | $56.0 | 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 | $107,819 | $8,985 | $2,073 | $52 |
| Average | $100,406 | $8,367 | $1,931 | $48 |
| 25th Percentile | $90,959 | $7,580 | $1,749 | $44 |
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.
Forhyre
Carolina, NC
Forhyre | Carolina, NC
Job Description. Job Description. We are looking for a Test Automation Lead to assess software quality through manual and automated testing. You will be re... more
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Prolec Energy
Goldsboro, NC
Prolec Energy | Goldsboro, NC
Job Title. Prolec GE Waukesha Test Technician. Job Description. To perform a broad variety of tests on equipment and manufactured parts to determine if eng... more
6 Days Ago
Icon Aerospace
Indian Trail, NC
Icon Aerospace | Indian Trail, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Automated Test Equipment Lead. FAA Part 145 Repair Station. We are seeking a. hands on Senior Avionics Test Engineer Team... more
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LexisNexis Legal & Professional®
Raleigh, NC, NC
LexisNexis Legal & Professional® | Raleigh, NC, NC
This job is with LexisNexis Legal & Professional®, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business comm... more
6 Days Ago
Mondo
Charlotte, NC
Mondo | Charlotte, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Lead Software Engineer. Location-Type. Irving, TX- Hybrid 3 days onsite. Start Date Is. June 22. Duration. 6 m... more
8 Days Ago
Eliassen Group
Durham, NC
Eliassen Group | Durham, NC
Job Description. Job Description. Description. On-site in Durham, NC. . Our client seeks a Lead Java Developer and Architect to design, architect, and deli... more
8 Days Ago
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