How much does a software tester make?
Answer: A typical software tester in the United States makes $104,300 a year (median, May 2025, US Bureau of Labor Statistics).
Line up 100 people; this is the one in the middle (median). about 187,000 people work in this job. Well above the US-wide typical pay ($50,980).
If 100 people had this job
Lowest at bottom-left, highest at top-rightHover over a person to see their yearly pay
Software tester pay in the United States (May 2025, median and spread)
| Lower earner (10th from bottom) | Typical person (median) | Higher earner (10th from top) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|---|
| $61,440 | $104,300 | $167,010 | about 187,000 |
| State | Typical person (median) | People in this job |
|---|---|---|
| California | $128,740 | about 28,000 |
| Washington | $128,480 | about 8,000 |
| Colorado | $123,690 | about 5,000 |
| Massachusetts | $122,210 | about 7,000 |
| Virginia | $121,590 | about 10,000 |
Why does pay differ?
In the United States, testers with more experience, sought-after skills like automated testing, or useful certifications may earn more. Pay also differs by location and employer—such as software, finance, or manufacturing—and overtime or shift premiums can add to earnings.
What if you lived in a different state?
Pay varies a lot by state in the USTop 5 and bottom 3 states, typical (median) yearly pay.
What does a software tester do?
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
What's a typical day like?
They plan tests for a new app, then click through screens or run automated checks to see what breaks. They record bugs, retest fixes, and tell developers what works poorly or feels confusing.
How to get this job
In the U.S., many study computer science, IT, or a related subject in college; a bachelor's degree is typical. They build programming and troubleshooting skills, and may use a registered apprenticeship or industry certification to strengthen their preparation.
Usually a bachelor's degree (preparation level 4 of 5)
Good for people who like figuring things out and keeping things organized.
Did you know?
NASA's Mars Climate Orbiter got too close to Mars after ground and onboard software used different measurement units.
Similar jobs
Jobs using similar skills (O*NET)Earn more in the same field
Computer and Mathematical jobs that pay a bit moreSources and data
Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025 (bls.gov); descriptions and related jobs from O*NET 31.0. Figures as of May 2025, full-time yearly pay (hourly × 2,080 hours). bls.gov/oes · O*NET OnLine
Pages used for the text
- www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/software-developers.htm
- www.onetonline.org/link/summary/15-1253.00
- www.mynextmove.org/profile/summary/15-1253.00
- www.bls.gov/oes/earnings.htm
- science.nasa.gov/mission/mars-climate-orbiter
Data: US BLS OEWS, May 2025 · 1 USD = 150 JPY