Quality (QA)Lead2026
Lead Software Development Engineer in Test salary
Lead Software Development Engineer in Test 2026 salary grid by seniority level, in France, the US and the UK. Data from thousands of offers and self-reported pay slips.
Senior France median
71 000 €
gross / year
Senior France daily rate
710 €
pre-tax / day
Salaries in France (€ gross / year)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 34 000 € | 40 000 € | 46 000 € |
| Mid | 45 000 € | 53 500 € | 62 000 € |
| Senior | 60 000 € | 71 000 € | 82 000 € |
| Lead | 75 000 € | 90 000 € | 105 000 € |
Freelance daily rate (€ pre-tax / day)
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | 340 € | 400 € | 460 € |
| Mid | 450 € | 535 € | 620 € |
| Senior | 600 € | 710 € | 820 € |
| Lead | 750 € | 900 € | 1 050 € |
International comparison
🇺🇸 United States
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | $85,000 | $102,000 | $120,000 |
| Mid | $115,000 | $135,000 | $155,000 |
| Senior | $145,000 | $172,000 | $200,000 |
| Lead | $180,000 | $215,000 | $260,000 |
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Level | Min | Median | Max |
|---|---|---|---|
| Junior | £32,000 | £38,000 | £45,000 |
| Mid | £42,000 | £50,000 | £58,000 |
| Senior | £55,000 | £65,000 | £75,000 |
| Lead | £70,000 | £82,500 | £97,000 |
Tips to negotiate your salary
- Know the market median: that's your anchor. The high end (max) is negotiable with a strong case.
- Negotiate the full package: base salary, bonus, equity (BSPCE/RSU), PTO, remote work, healthcare, training, equipment.
- Use your BATNA (best alternative): if you have another offer, mention it — without bluffing.
- Anticipate 'name your price' with a range: state median→max, never min→median.
- Ask for a review in 6 or 12 months if the company can't hit your target immediately.
Sources: LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Levels.fyi, Welcome to the Jungle, Indeed.
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