eGigSoftware Tester (QA) salary (2026)
A software tester (QA) usually earns ₹18,000–₹30,000 a month as a fresher, rising to ₹35,000–₹70,000 with 2–5 years’ experience and up to ₹1,30,000 for senior roles.
Monthly salary by experience
Typical gross monthly pay in rupees (₹) seen in job postings in 2026. In-hand is an estimate after employee PF and professional tax; your offer may differ.
Software Tester (QA) pay at companies
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Software Tester (QA) salary by city
| City | Fresher | 2–5 years | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹20,500–₹34,500 | ₹40,500–₹80,500 | Jobs |
| Bengaluru | ₹20,500–₹34,500 | ₹40,500–₹80,500 | Jobs |
| Delhi NCR | ₹20,000–₹33,500 | ₹39,000–₹78,500 | Jobs |
| Hyderabad | ₹19,500–₹32,500 | ₹38,000–₹75,500 | Jobs |
| Pune | ₹19,500–₹32,500 | ₹38,000–₹75,500 | Jobs |
| Chennai | ₹19,000–₹31,500 | ₹37,000–₹73,500 | Jobs |
| Ahmedabad | ₹17,500–₹29,000 | ₹34,000–₹68,000 | Jobs |
| Kolkata | ₹17,000–₹28,500 | ₹33,500–₹66,500 | Jobs |
| Jaipur | ₹16,500–₹27,500 | ₹32,000–₹64,500 | Jobs |
| Lucknow | ₹16,000–₹27,000 | ₹31,500–₹63,000 | Jobs |
| Indore | ₹16,000–₹27,000 | ₹31,500–₹63,000 | Jobs |
| Nagpur | ₹16,000–₹27,000 | ₹31,500–₹63,000 | Jobs |
Big metros pay more but rent costs more too. Smaller cities not listed usually pay 5–15% below the national range.
How to earn more as a software tester (QA)
- Automation testing with Selenium, Playwright or Cypress
- API testing with Postman and REST Assured
- ISTQB certification
- Ask for the full CTC break-up before accepting. Compare offers on in-hand pay, not CTC alone.
Questions people ask
What is the salary of a software tester (QA)?
Most earn ₹18,000 to ₹1,30,000 a month. Freshers usually start at ₹18,000–₹30,000, and with 2–5 years’ experience pay rises to ₹35,000–₹70,000.
What is the fresher salary of a software tester (QA)?
Around ₹18,000–₹30,000 a month, or ₹2.2 lakh–₹3.6 lakh a year, depending on the city and employer.
Which city pays a software tester (QA) the most?
Mumbai and Bengaluru usually pay the most, around 15% above the national typical range, followed by Delhi NCR, Hyderabad and Pune.
How can a software tester (QA) earn more?
Automation testing with Selenium, Playwright or Cypress. API testing with Postman and REST Assured. ISTQB certification.