Test Engineer Salary in 2024

Salary details

The average Test Engineer salary lies between USD 86,950 and USD 137,000 globally. It represents the overall compensation/gross salary amount for the working year (before deductions like social security, taxes and other contributions), not including equity/stock options or similar benefits.

All data shown are full-time equivalent (FTE) salaries. Part-time salary information has been extrapolated to its FTE value.

Last updated: Nov. 17, 2024

Top 20 Job Tags for Test Engineer roles

The three most common job tag items assiciated with Test Engineer job listings are Clearance, Agile and Automation. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job tags in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where associated with them during that period:

Clearance | 63 jobs Agile | 52 jobs Automation | 50 jobs Linux | 46 jobs Python | 41 jobs Computer Science | 40 jobs Scripting | 37 jobs Security Clearance | 35 jobs DoD | 35 jobs TS/SCI | 33 jobs Cloud | 31 jobs Pentesting | 27 jobs Compliance | 27 jobs CISSP | 25 jobs Windows | 25 jobs Docker | 23 jobs Java | 23 jobs Jira | 23 jobs Jenkins | 23 jobs Selenium | 22 jobs

Top 20 Job Perks/Benefits for Test Engineer roles

The three most common job benefits and perks assiciated with Test Engineer job listings are Career development, Health care and Flex hours. Below you find a list of the 20 most occuring job perks or benefits in 2024 and the number of open jobs that where offering them during that period:

Career development | 65 jobs Health care | 44 jobs Flex hours | 31 jobs Equity / stock options | 28 jobs Flex vacation | 25 jobs Startup environment | 25 jobs 401(k) matching | 24 jobs Medical leave | 23 jobs Team events | 22 jobs Wellness | 21 jobs Competitive pay | 21 jobs Insurance | 21 jobs Parental leave | 18 jobs Salary bonus | 11 jobs Gear | 5 jobs Relocation support | 5 jobs Transparency | 3 jobs Home office stipend | 3 jobs Fitness / gym | 1 jobs Yoga | 1 jobs

Salary Composition

The salary for a Test Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security typically comprises a fixed base salary, performance bonuses, and additional remuneration such as stock options or profit-sharing. The fixed base salary is the largest component, often accounting for 70-80% of the total compensation package. Bonuses can vary significantly depending on the company and industry, ranging from 5-20% of the base salary. In tech-heavy regions like Silicon Valley, additional remuneration might include stock options or equity, which can be a significant part of the compensation in startups or large tech companies. In contrast, in regions with a lower cost of living, the base salary might be more dominant, with fewer additional incentives.

Steps to Increase Salary

To increase your salary from the position of a Test Engineer in InfoSec, consider the following strategies:

• Skill Enhancement: Acquire advanced skills in cybersecurity tools and technologies, such as penetration testing, threat modeling, and security automation.
• Certifications: Obtain advanced certifications like Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) or Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH).
• Networking: Engage with professional networks and attend industry conferences to increase visibility and learn about higher-paying opportunities.
• Leadership Roles: Aim for leadership or managerial roles within your team or department, which often come with higher pay.
• Industry Shift: Consider moving to industries that pay higher for cybersecurity roles, such as finance or healthcare.

Educational Requirements

Most Test Engineer roles in InfoSec/Cyber Security require at least a bachelor's degree in computer science, information technology, or a related field. Some positions may accept equivalent work experience in lieu of formal education. A master's degree in cybersecurity or a related discipline can be advantageous and may lead to higher-paying opportunities.

Helpful Certifications

Certifications can significantly enhance your credentials and are often sought after by employers. Some common and beneficial certifications include:

• Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH)
• CompTIA Security+
• Certified Information Security Manager (CISM)
• Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP)

These certifications demonstrate a commitment to the field and a recognized level of expertise.

Experience Requirements

Typically, a Test Engineer in InfoSec/Cyber Security is expected to have 2-5 years of experience in software testing, quality assurance, or a related field. Experience specifically in cybersecurity testing or working with security tools and protocols is highly valued. For more senior roles, 5-10 years of experience may be required, with a focus on leadership and project management skills.

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