What is entry level software tester salary?

Entry-level software tester salary in 2026 depends on location, skills, and tools you know. In India, freshers typically earn between ₹3 LPA and ₹6 LPA, while professionals with automation skills like Selenium, API testing, or AI testing tools can earn ₹6 LPA to ₹9 LPA. In the USA, entry-level QA testers usually earn between $60,000 and $85,000 per year. Certifications, hands-on project experience, and knowledge of automation frameworks significantly increase salary potential. Many beginners start with manual testing and move to automation testing for higher pay. With growing demand for QA and AI-driven testing, entry-level software testing offers strong career growth and salary progression opportunities.