How much does a Software Tester Earn in India?

Software testing is an essential process in the software development life cycle (SDLC) that ensures the software is functioning as intended and meets the requirements of its users. In recent years, the demand for software testing professionals in the industry  has increased significantly in India, owing to the growth of the IT sector as well as the increasing adoption of software in various sectors.

As a result, software testing has emerged as a promising career option for individuals interested in technology and quality assurance. This career path offers excellent opportunities for personal and professional growth, competitive salaries, and a dynamic work environment that keeps evolving with the latest technological advancements.

In this blog, we will be talking about how does the career of a software tester look like, and what is the salary of a software tester, both as an experienced professional and as a fresher.

What is Software Testing?

Software testing is a process of evaluating a software system or application to determine if it meets its specified requirements and performs as expected. It involves executing the software or application under specific conditions to find defects, errors, or bugs and to verify that it is functioning correctly and efficiently.

The primary goal of software testing is to identify and eliminate defects and bugs before the software is released to the end users or customers. Testing helps to improve the quality of the software and ensures that it meets the customer’s needs and expectations.

Software testing can be performed at various stages of the software development lifecycle, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing, acceptance testing, and regression testing. The testing approach and techniques used depend on the type of software, its requirements, and the stage of the development cycle.

What is the Average Salary of a Software Testing Engineer in India?

The salary of a software testing engineer in India depends on various factors such as experience, location, company, and skills. According to payscale.com, the average software tester’s salary in India is INR 3,86,481 per year. The salary ranges from INR 2,00,000 per year for entry-level positions to INR 8,00,000 per year for experienced professionals.

What is the Average Salary of a Software Testing Engineer based on Experience?

Entry-level software testing engineers with less than one year of experience can expect a salary of INR 2,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per year. Testers with 1-4 years of experience can earn a salary of INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year. Those with 5-9 years of experience can expect a salary of INR 5,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per year. Software testers with more than ten years of experience can earn a salary of INR 10,00,000 or more per year.

Salary based on Location

The salary of a software tester in India also varies based on location. Metropolitan cities such as Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Pune offer higher salaries compared to other cities. The cost of living in these cities is also high. The salary in other cities and towns is relatively lower.

In Bangalore, the average salary of a software tester is INR 4,00,000 per year. In Hyderabad, the average salary is INR 3,50,000 per year. In Mumbai, the average salary is INR 4,50,000 per year. In Pune, the average salary is INR 4,00,000 per year. In Chennai, the average salary is INR 3,50,000 per year. In Delhi, the average salary is INR 4,00,000 per year.

Salary Based on Company Size

The size of the company also plays a significant role in determining the software tester’s salary in India. Large companies offer higher salaries compared to small and medium-sized companies. This is because large companies have more resources and can afford to pay higher salaries to attract the best talent.

In large companies such as Infosys, TCS, and Wipro, software testers can earn a salary of INR 4,00,000 to INR 8,00,000 per year. In medium-sized companies, the salary ranges from INR 3,00,000 to INR 5,00,000 per year. In small companies, the salary ranges from INR 2,00,000 to INR 4,00,000 per year.

How Much Does a Software Testing Fresher Earn in India?

The salary of a software testing fresher in India can vary depending on various factors such as location, company, skill level, and educational background.

On average, a software testing fresher in India can expect to earn a starting salary of around INR 2.5-4 lakhs per annum. However, this can vary widely depending on the location and the company. For example, a fresher working in a metropolitan city such as Bangalore, Pune, or Hyderabad can expect a higher starting salary compared to those in smaller cities. Additionally, working for a reputed multinational company can also lead to a higher starting salary.

It is also important to note that with experience and developing skills, the salary of a software testing professional can increase significantly. Therefore, it is advisable to continuously develop and improve one’s skill set to increase your earning potential in the field.

Skills Required for the position of a Software Tester

As discussed, the salary of a software tester also depends on their skills and experience. Some of the essential skills required for a software tester include:

• Knowledge of software testing methodologies such as black box testing, white box testing, and grey box testing.
• Knowledge of automation testing tools such as Selenium, Appium, and TestComplete.
• Knowledge of programming languages such as Java, C++, and Python.
• Knowledge of software development life cycle (SDLC) and agile methodology.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

Good communication and interpersonal skills.

In conclusion, software testing is a critical component of the software development lifecycle and is in high demand in the Indian job market. The salary of a software tester in India depends on various factors such as experience, skills, location, industry, and company size. According to various sources, the average salary of a software tester in India ranges from 3 to 10 lakhs per annum. However, it is important to note that these figures are subject to change and may vary depending on the individual’s qualifications and experience. As the demand for software testing continues to increase, it is expected that the salaries for software testers in India will continue to grow in the coming years.