How does your software testing salary compare globally?

1 Experience matters

One of the most obvious factors that affects your software testing salary is your level of experience. The more years you have in the field, the more skills, knowledge, and expertise you can demonstrate, and the more value you can bring to your projects and clients. According to some online surveys, software testers with less than one year of experience earn around $35,000 per year on average, while those with more than 10 years of experience earn around $85,000 per year on average. Of course, these numbers can vary depending on other factors, such as location, role, and industry, but they show that experience pays off in software testing.

2 Education and certification help

Another factor that can boost your software testing salary is your education and certification. Having a relevant degree, diploma, or certificate can show that you have the formal training and knowledge required for software testing. It can also help you stand out from the competition and gain credibility and recognition in the industry. Some of the most popular and respected certifications for software testers are the ISTQB (International Software Testing Qualifications Board), the CSTE (Certified Software Tester), and the CSTP (Certified Software Test Professional). According to some online sources, software testers with an ISTQB certification earn around 15% more than those without it, while those with a CSTE certification earn around 25% more than those without it.

3 Location makes a difference

Another factor that can have a significant impact on your software testing salary is your location. Depending on where you live and work, you can face different levels of demand, supply, competition, cost of living, and taxation for software testing. For example, software testers in the US earn around $60,000 per year on average, while those in India earn around $10,000 per year on average, according to some online sources. However, these numbers don't necessarily reflect the purchasing power parity or the quality of life of software testers in different countries. Therefore, it's important to consider not only the nominal salary, but also the relative salary when comparing software testing salaries globally.

4 Role defines your scope

Another factor that can influence your software testing salary is your role. Depending on your responsibilities, skills, and tools, you can have different levels of complexity, autonomy, and impact as a software tester. For example, software testers who specialize in manual testing, functional testing, or black box testing tend to earn less than those who specialize in automated testing, performance testing, or white box testing, according to some online sources. This is because the latter require more technical, analytical, and problem-solving skills, as well as more advanced tools and frameworks. Similarly, software testers who work as team members, testers, or analysts tend to earn less than those who work as leads, managers, or consultants, as the latter require more leadership, communication, and strategic skills, as well as more experience and authority.

5 Average and range of salaries

Software testers in various countries, according to data from sources like Glassdoor, Payscale, Indeed, and ZipRecruiter, have reported an average and range of salaries. Although these numbers are only estimates and may not reflect the actual salaries of software testers in different locations, roles, and situations, they can still give a general idea of how your software testing salary compares globally. In the US for instance, the average salary is $60,000 per year with a range from $36,000 to $97,000. In the UK it is ￡35,000 per year with a range from ￡20,000 to ￡55,000. In Canada it is C$60,000 per year with a range from C$40,000 to C$85,000. Australia has an average of A$70,000 per year with a range from A$50,000 to A$95,000. Germany has an average of €45,000 per year with a range from €30,000 to €65,000. France has an average of €35,000 per year with a range from €25,000 to €50,000. India has an average of ?750,000 per year with a range from ?300,000 to ?1,500,000 and China has an average of ￥250,000 per year with a range from ￥150,000 to ￥400

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?