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Job outlook for lead software testers in the United States
Lead software tester job and salary trends over time
Lead software tester jobs over time
Lead software tester job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 23,773 | 0.01% |
| 2020 | 22,707 | 0.01% |
| 2019 | 17,397 | 0.01% |
| 2018 | 10,987 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 9,098 | 0.00% |
Average lead software tester salary over time
Lead software tester salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | $100,101 | $48.13 | +3.4% |
| 2024 | $96,802 | $46.54 | +2.3% |
| 2023 | $94,611 | $45.49 | +2.0% |
| 2022 | $92,766 | $44.60 | +2.3% |
| 2021 | $90,670 | $43.59 | +1.5% |
Lead software tester jobs by state
Most common states for lead software testers
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | District of Columbia | 693,972 | 504 | 73% |
| 2 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 4,198 | 57% |
| 3 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 541 | 51% |
| 4 | Utah | 3,101,833 | 1,563 | 50% |
| 5 | New Hampshire | 1,342,795 | 549 | 41% |
| 6 | Wyoming | 579,315 | 229 | 40% |
| 7 | Vermont | 623,657 | 236 | 38% |
| 8 | Massachusetts | 6,859,819 | 2,535 | 37% |
| 9 | Virginia | 8,470,020 | 2,879 | 34% |
| 10 | Alaska | 739,795 | 255 | 34% |
| 11 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 344 | 33% |
| 12 | Delaware | 961,939 | 314 | 33% |
| 13 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 276 | 32% |
| 14 | Oregon | 4,142,776 | 1,251 | 30% |
| 15 | California | 39,536,653 | 11,342 | 29% |
| 16 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 208 | 28% |
| 17 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 779 | 27% |
| 18 | Idaho | 1,716,943 | 469 | 27% |
| 19 | Maryland | 6,052,177 | 1,576 | 26% |
| 20 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 495 | 26% |
Most common cities for lead software testers
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Springfield | 1 | 3% | $101,452 |
| 2 | Alpharetta | 1 | 2% | $83,369 |
| 3 | Boulder | 1 | 1% | $88,245 |
| 4 | Huntsville | 1 | 1% | $79,919 |
| 5 | Chicago | 2 | 0% | $100,682 |
| 6 | Indianapolis | 2 | 0% | $91,738 |
| 7 | Atlanta | 1 | 0% | $83,335 |
| 8 | Boston | 1 | 0% | $92,625 |
| 9 | Chandler | 1 | 0% | $93,047 |
| 10 | Los Angeles | 1 | 0% | $132,459 |
| 11 | San Francisco | 1 | 0% | $145,819 |
| 12 | San Jose | 1 | 0% | $144,801 |
Lead Software Tester job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of lead software tester experts
California State University - Sacramento
Nova Southeastern University
Carnegie Mellon University
Seminole State College of Florida
University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
Texas A&M University
Nova Southeastern University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Middle Georgia State University
Mount St. Joseph University
University of Richmond
Idaho State University
Taylor University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Texas Christian University
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Sepehr Mohammadian: 1. This is a pretty broad question. CS degree graduates can engage in different tasks and responsibilities based on the nature of their profession. Examples include 1) software engineering, in which the individual's efforts are toward leading or contributing to software development projects, 2) IT management, where the individual mainly oversees technology strategies and their implementation, 3) cybersecurity, where the individual's responsibilities are associated with the protection of systems and data from cyber threats, and 4) data and AI engineering, where the individual works on machine learning applications and analyze and derive insights from large datasets.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Kin Chung Kwan: Computer science is rapidly growing, with new technologies emerging daily. The desired skill set can vary from year to year. We should always stay updated on the latest global developments and prepare to learn something new. Keeping your skills up-to-date and aligning them with the current needs of employers and target customers is crucial to maximizing salary potential.
Junping Sun Ph.D.
ProfessorNova Southeastern University
Computer Software And Media Applications
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Junping Sun Ph.D.: Computer Science and its applications in various fields are very dynamic and constantly evolving, and anyone in the fields needs to prepare to be adaptive by lifelong learning.
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Jonathan Aldrich: AI is a powerful new tool but it is also unreliable. Learn how you can use it but also what its limitations are, so that you can protect yourself and your customers from those limitations. Always have a way to double-check that the results of AI are sensible and appropriate. No one is a lone coder anymore--you'll be more effective if you can work with other people and with tools that multiply your capabilities. Work on your teamwork skills and keep your eye out for new tools and technologies that make you more effective.
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Holger Findling: Decide what technical area you would like to work in your field of expertise. Do you like to work for the aerospace industry? Decide what specific component you are interested in. Aircraft, Missiles, Energy, Navy - ships, Finance? The issue is that these components are developed in different states. For instance, in Florida Mid-Range missiles are developed and flight simulators. However, aircrafts are developed in Texas, Georgia, and Arizona, not in Florida. There are a lot of programmers needed for financial software. Most likely these jobs would be in New York, New Jersey, Atlanta, California and Massachusetts. In other words understand what industry you would like to work for, and understand that the industries are clustered in different states.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Holger Findling: Technologies are changing very fast, and you must change with it. Don't be rigid. AI is going to increase in the next five years, and the demand for programmers will be high. You would have to take courses studying AI concepts. Bio-Medical fields and Biometrics will be expanding in capabilities and these fields will need a lot of programmers. Take some additional courses, for example Biology and Chemistry.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Dale Dzielski MBA, CMA®, PMP®, SAFe® 4 Agilist: Be prepared for a lifelong learning experience; it just begins now. Be confident in what you know but open to learn more because you will.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Lyle Ford: Having a broad base of skills, both technical and interpersonal are very valuable. Often, physics majors are hired to be problem solvers and each problem has its own set of unique conditions that may require a different set of skills to solve. The ability to be an effective team member is vital and proof of that will make you stand out. Evidence of independent work is also helpful so highlight and research or internship experiences you have had.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Aakash Tyagi: Salary potential is truly in the eyes of the beholder. Technical depth of knowledge and skills is quintessential, followed closely by a demonstrated track record of willingness to learn and adapt, and ability to communicate clearly.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Frank Mitropoulos Ph.D.: As we look toward the future of careers in Computer Applications, several skills stand out for their growing importance. These skills revolve around specific technologies that are expected to continue to grow and evolve. Technologies related to Cloud Computing, Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and Data Science are quickly evolving and being applied across the technology sector. Cloud Computing: Given the widespread adoption of Cloud services, Cloud computing expertise is indispensable. Understanding how to leverage platforms like Azure, AWS, and Google Cloud is crucial to developing scalable, efficient solutions that meet business needs. Artificial Intelligence: AI and Machine Learning are transforming the world. Skills in these areas to solve real-world problems will be even more critical in the future. Cybersecurity: Digital threats are becoming more sophisticated. Safeguarding data, networks, and systems will require encryption, intrusion detection, development, and regulation skills. Data Science: Skills in Data Science will be increasingly sought after as businesses embrace data-driven decision-making. Extracting meaningful insights from extensive datasets and effectively communicating these findings will be essential. Soft skills: Finally, soft skills such as teamwork, problem-solving, and effective communication cannot be overlooked. Adapting, communicating, and leading will be essential for success.
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Imteaj PH.D.: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (LLMs): With the rise of Large Language Models (LLMs) like GPT-3 and BERT, skills in natural language processing (NLP), transfer learning, and fine-tuning pre-trained models will become increasingly valuable. LLMs have applications in areas such as text generation, sentiment analysis, and language translation.
Sustainable AI: As concerns about the environmental impact of AI and computing grow, skills in sustainable AI practices, energy-efficient algorithms, and green computing will be in demand. Professionals who can develop AI solutions that minimize energy consumption and carbon footprint will play a crucial role in building a more sustainable future.
Cybersecurity: With the ever-increasing threat landscape and sophisticated cyberattacks, cybersecurity skills will remain critical. In addition to traditional cybersecurity practices, such as network security and encryption, skills in areas such as threat intelligence, incident response, and penetration testing will be in high demand.
Cloud Computing: As more businesses migrate their infrastructure and services to the cloud, skills in cloud computing will continue to be in high demand. Proficiency with cloud platforms such as AWS, Azure, and Google Cloud, as well as expertise in areas like serverless computing, containerization, and hybrid cloud architectures, will be valuable for building and managing scalable and resilient cloud-based solutions.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Ahmed Imteaj PH.D.: Research Salary Trends: Before entering the job market, research salary trends for entry-level positions in your field and location. Websites like Glassdoor, PayScale, and LinkedIn Salary can provide valuable insights into typical salary ranges for different roles.
Acquire In-Demand Skills: Identify in-demand skills and technologies in your field and focus on acquiring them through coursework, certifications, internships, or personal projects. Skills such as machine learning, cloud computing, cybersecurity, and data science are highly valued and can command higher salaries.
Gain Relevant Experience: Prioritize gaining relevant experience through internships, co-op programs, part-time jobs, or freelance projects. Practical experience can significantly increase your market value and make you more attractive to employers.Customize Your Resume and Cover Letter: Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant skills, experiences, and achievements that align with the job requirements. Highlighting your unique qualifications can increase your chances of landing interviews and negotiating a higher salary.
Prepare for Salary Negotiations: Before entering salary negotiations, research the typical salary range for the position and location, considering factors such as cost of living and industry standards. Practice articulating your value proposition and be prepared to negotiate confidently for a salary that reflects your skills, experience, and market value.
Consider Additional Benefits: In addition to salary, consider other benefits and perks offered by employers, such as health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, flexible work arrangements, professional development opportunities, and bonuses. These benefits can add significant value to your overall compensation package.
Ali Alouani
Professor of ECEWhat Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ali Alouani: Be confident, work hard, and have good communication skill.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Ali Alouani: Have co-op/internship experience, good GPA, and impress the recruiter.
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Ali Alouani: Engineering and Computer Sciences
Mr. Mark Pranger
Instructor, School of Creative and Information TechnologiesOklahoma State University Institute of Technology - Okmulgee
Mining And Petroleum Technologies/Technicians
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Mr. Mark Pranger: The biggest advice here is to show the organization the long haul. It costs a lot of money to advertise, find, recruit, hire, and train employees in our field. The company wants to know their return on that investment will be higher. A large technical breadth versus a deep technical understanding is the balance you have to maintain. Many companies I deal with as an internship coordinator tell me that they can train the technical niche needs that they have but the student has to be able to show that they can learn and absorb that knowledge and put it to use. Going back to the portfolio, this gives someone looking at it insight into what extent you can learn, absorb, and produce. I personally am a true believer in the depth over breadth in the computer science programming field. While syntax changes from language to language, the concepts that we use to engineer our software remain the same. So Java does one activity different than C# or Ruby, that concept though will be important and the syntax can be picked up easier if you understand the concept. To me, a deeper understanding of one language and the ability to adapt quickly to another language is more important than having a little knowledge in a wide breadth of language but no depth. I have been in this field for 30 years now and probably know about half that number of languages that I have used over those 30 years. I didn't start with all those languages, but I did start with a very deep understanding of just one or two. I could spend my time quickly learning syntax to pick up a new language for a new position because I understood the concepts so well in my root language. Learn it deep, understand it deep and show you can transfer it across laterally. Put together that portfolio. The portfolio reinforces the narrative I discussed in the earlier question also.
MARLA KRAMER
Assistant Vice President of Marketing and CommunicationsWhat general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
MARLA KRAMER: Do the necessary course work from a reputed institution, where you can get the necessary hands-on experience under the tutelage of an established expert. Create a portfolio of your work on GitHub so that you can share your projects with potential employees. It is more important to demonstrate your skills through code, than it is to provide a list of classes that you have taken. Certification courses are expensive, but getting an accredited certificate in Mobile Application Development or any of the rapidly growing fields is always an advantage. The internet has a lot of uncurated, self-published, and incorrect information, especially when it comes to computer science. It is important that you pick your sources wisely as you build your skills.
Tina Ashford
Professor of Information Technology/Faculty Curator of the Museum of Technology/DoIT Internship CoordinatorMiddle Georgia State University
Computer And Information Sciences And Support Services
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Tina Ashford: Technical expertise is crucial: cloud fluency, cybersecurity awareness, and understanding Artificial Intelligence/Machine Learning (AI/ML) potential, however, soft skills are equally important - clarity in communication, seamless collaboration, and an ever-growing appetite for learning to adapt to the ever-changing tech landscape. Even with AI on the scene, uniquely human problem-solving and fresh ideas will set you apart. This blend of technical and soft skill agility, and never-ending curiosity should bring you success in the field of IT.
Rebecca Allen
Mount St. Joseph University
Special Education And Teaching
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Rebecca Allen: AI, for sure. I have heard it said that AI might not replace humans, rather humans who know how to use AI well may replace humans who don't.
Ahmed Temani
Senior InstructorUniversity of Richmond
Computer/Information Technology Administration And Management
What general advice would you give to a Lead Software Tester?
Ahmed Temani: A lot of the buzz is about using chatbots to improve coding efficiency. However, there is a great need for systems level thinking and design as software is deployed across cloud and edge computing devices. Gaining more experience in systems design provides you with additional skills that complement whatever AI-based technology gets deployed.
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Ahmed Temani: This one I'm not sure how to answer as it is too broad. I would say work hard and do quality work, but that seems obvious.
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Nikyra Capson: Don't be afraid of being rejected. If they see a job they want, apply. Even if they don't think they'll get it, still apply. The worst thing that could happen is being told no. Not applying is an automatic no, so they might as well try.
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Nikyra Capson: Understanding artificial intelligence and developing technology are essential skills for students to have so they're prepared for the future. Software is constantly updating, so designers need to be able to evolve with it and be constantly learning.
Dr. Jonathan Denning
Associate Professor and Department Co-chairTaylor University
Computer Science
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
Dr. Jonathan Denning: 1. Keep learning the fundamentals. The CS field is ever changing, so don't get caught up in understanding only the latest and greatest framework or language, as tomorrow there will be another one to replace it. Instead, focus on the fundamentals, so that you can quickly become familiar with whatever framework is decided upon.
John Matta
Associate Professor of CS, SIUESouthern Illinois University Edwardsville
Computer And Information Sciences
What will help Lead Software Testers increase their earning potential?
John Matta: Keep learning. The technology changes quite often, so you'll have to stay current.
Dr. Brandon Chicotsky
Assistant Professor of Professional Practice in Marketing at the TCU Neeley School of BusinessTexas Christian University
Specialized Sales, Merchandising And Marketing Operations
What Lead Software Tester skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. Brandon Chicotsky: Continually upskill, and each week (or more often), demo software that helps create efficiencies and accelerations in your workflow. Do this in collaboration with a senior colleague to strengthen your discernments and implementation potential. Be an "all in" professional beyond any one particular strategy at work. Embody the industry, attend conferences, and internalize the insights and language of your categories' thought leaders.