What is the hourly rate of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
|
Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
| 75th Percentile |
$60,622 |
$5,052 |
$1,166 |
$29 |
| Average |
$54,526 |
$4,544 |
$1,049 |
$26 |
| 25th Percentile |
$48,800 |
$4,067 |
$938 |
$23 |
Use our Salary Calculator to explore typical earnings for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET), including an hourly rate of $26, weekly pay of $1,049, monthly pay of $4,544, and an annual salary of $54,526.
Based on Salary IQ data from real job postings, this tool helps you convert a salary between its hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annually.
What is the pay difference between an Entry Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) and an Expert Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
Experience and job level are key drivers of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)'s salary.
Entry Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)s earn around $52,646, while Intermediate Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)s make $53,671.
Senior Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)s see salaries rise to $56,072, and Expert Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)s can earn up to $57,710.
These numbers show a clear trend: as experience grows, so does earning potential. This reflects the IT industry's strong value placed on experience level.
| Levels |
Salary |
|
Entry Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
|
$52,646
|
|
Intermediate Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
|
$53,671
|
|
Senior Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
|
$56,072
|
|
Specialist Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
|
$57,528
|
|
Expert Level Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)
|
$57,710
|
$52,646
0 yr
$53,671
< 2 yrs
$56,072
2-4 yrs
$57,528
5-8 yrs
$57,710
> 8 yrs
|
Entry Level
|
3%
|
|
Mid Level
|
2%
|
|
Senior Level
|
3%
|
|
Top Level
|
6%
|
|
Experienced
|
6%
|
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What is the salary trend for Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
As of 2025, the salary trend for Software Development Engineers in Test (SDET) in the US shows a promising upward trajectory. The average salary is projected to reach approximately $120,000, reflecting a salary increase percentage of around 8% from the previous year. The median rate for SDETs is expected to be around $115,000, indicating strong demand for skilled professionals in this field. This growth is driven by the increasing emphasis on quality assurance and automation in software development, making SDETs vital to tech companies.
Which skills can increase the salary of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
Skills that can significantly increase the salary of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) include Test Frameworks (30% increase, average salary $16,357.72), Automation Testing (25% increase, average salary $13,631.43), and Programming Languages (20% increase, average salary $10,905.14). These skills enhance an SDET's ability to automate testing processes, improve code quality, and streamline development workflows, leading to higher demand and compensation. The median salary for SDETs can rise substantially with expertise in these areas, reflecting their critical role in software quality assurance.
Average Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) Salary by Company Size
Company size significantly impacts the salary of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET). In small companies (1-50 employees), SDETs earn between $70,000 and $90,000, with a median salary of $80,000. Medium-sized firms (51-500 employees) offer $80,000 to $110,000, with a median of $95,000. Large companies (500+ employees) typically pay $100,000 to $140,000, with a median of $120,000.
Top companies for Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) roles include Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Google offers a salary range of $120,000 to $180,000, with a median salary of $150,000. Amazon's range is $110,000 to $160,000, with a median of $135,000. Microsoft pays between $100,000 and $150,000, averaging $125,000. These companies pay higher due to their focus on innovation, competitive market positioning, and the critical role of quality assurance in software development.
Does education make a difference in salary for a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET)?
Education plays a crucial role in determining the salary of a Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET). Typically, higher education levels, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree in Computer Science or related fields, lead to better job prospects and higher average salaries. Specialized certifications can also enhance earning potential.