By QualityAssuranceJobs.com Team · Published February 20, 2026
If you're considering a career as a Software Development Engineer in Test — or you're already in the role and wondering how your compensation stacks up — understanding what the role actually pays is essential. This guide breaks down what SDETs earn in 2026 by experience level, location, and skills, so you can benchmark your compensation or plan your next career move.
An SDET bridges the gap between software engineering and quality assurance. Unlike traditional QA testers who focus on manual testing, SDETs write code to build test automation frameworks, design testing infrastructure, and ensure software quality through engineering-first practices. They typically work closely with development teams, contributing to CI/CD pipelines and building tools that catch defects before they reach production.
Core responsibilities include writing automated test scripts, developing testing frameworks, performing code reviews, and collaborating with engineers on testability. Strong skills in programming languages like Java, Python, or C#, along with experience in automation tools like Selenium or Cypress, are standard requirements.
The demand for SDETs has grown steadily as companies invest more heavily in automation and continuous delivery. Organizations that once relied on large manual testing teams are shifting toward smaller, more technical QA groups — and SDETs sit at the center of that transformation. This shift has kept compensation competitive, with many employers offering signing bonuses and retention packages to attract experienced candidates. The rise of AI-assisted testing tools has also created new opportunities for SDETs who can integrate machine learning into their testing strategies.
The average SDET salary in the United States falls between $95,000 and $130,000 per year, depending on experience, location, and company size. According to aggregated compensation data, the median base pay sits around $112,000 annually.
Here's how pay breaks down by experience level:
| Experience Level | Salary Range | Median |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (0–2 years) | $75,000 – $95,000 | $85,000 |
| Mid-Level (3–5 years) | $95,000 – $125,000 | $110,000 |
| Senior (6–10 years) | $125,000 – $160,000 | $140,000 |
| Staff / Principal (10+ years) | $155,000 – $200,000+ | $175,000 |
Total compensation — including bonuses, stock options, and benefits — can push senior SDET pay significantly higher, especially at major tech companies where equity packages are substantial.
Location remains one of the biggest factors in compensation variation for this role. Engineers in high-cost-of-living metros like San Francisco, Seattle, and New York typically earn 20–40% more than the national average. Meanwhile, remote SDET positions have become increasingly common, with many companies offering location-adjusted compensation.
Top-paying metro areas for SDETs include:
Looking for your next SDET role? Browse hundreds of quality assurance and testing engineering positions — including remote options — on QualityAssuranceJobs.com.
Not all SDETs earn the same pay at the same experience level. Certain skills consistently command a salary premium:
Investing in these skills is one of the most reliable ways to increase your earning potential over time.
How does SDET compensation compare to similar positions in the quality assurance and engineering space? Here's a quick comparison:
| Role | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| SDET | $112,000 |
| QA Engineer | $90,000 |
| Automation Engineer | $108,000 |
| Software Engineer | $120,000 |
| QA Manager | $125,000 |
SDETs typically earn more than traditional QA engineers because the role demands stronger engineering skills and coding ability. The pay gap between SDETs and software engineers has been narrowing as testing automation becomes more critical to development workflows.
What is the highest pay for SDETs?
At top-tier tech companies, senior and staff-level SDETs can earn $200,000+ in total compensation, with base pay reaching $180,000 or more in high-cost markets.
What is the lowest pay for SDETs?
Entry-level SDETs in lower-cost regions may start around $70,000–$80,000, though this is uncommon at companies that specifically hire for the SDET title.
How can SDETs increase their pay?
Focus on deepening automation and engineering skills, pursue cloud certifications, contribute to open-source testing tools, and consider moving into senior or lead roles. Switching companies every 2–3 years also tends to accelerate pay growth faster than internal raises.