As of May 18, 2021, the average salary for a Software Test Specialist in the United States is $136,760 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $66.
However, a Software Test Specialist's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Test Specialist'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Test Specialist'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 Specialist | $80,964 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Specialist | $113,434 |
| Software ... Level Software Test Specialist | $136,886 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Specialist | $149,534 |
| Test Engi... Level Software Test Specialist | $107,450 |
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 Specialists. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 8.77% |
| Computer Science | 2.27% |
| Software Development | 1.7% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Test Engineering
|
$151,803 |
11%
|
|
Python
|
$149,068 |
9%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$146,333 |
7%
|
|
Analysis
|
$144,965 |
6%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$143,598 |
5%
|
|
Agile
|
$142,230 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Test Specialists enter the field with a Associate's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Test Specialist with a Associate's Degree is between $126,737 and $131,954).
Software Test Specialist Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.6% |
| High School | 3.6% |
| Associates | 7.3% |
| Bachelors | 58.8% |
| Masters | 28.5% |
| Doctorate | 1.8% |
Understanding how a Software Test Specialist'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.
Last Updated on May 18, 2021Salaries for a Software Test Specialist can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $119,863 in 2023 to around $118,101 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Test Specialist salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $119,863 |
| 2024 | $119,714 |
| 2025 | $118,101 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
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|
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