Testing & QA Salary Guide
As we move into 2026, the Software Testing and QA market in Ireland is continuing to evolve rapidly, shaped by automation, cloud adoption, and the integration of AI into testing practices. Manual testing has shifted firmly towards automation, driven by the need for speed, scalability, and reliability across modern technology environments.
Automation is now a baseline expectation, with manual testers actively upskilling to remain competitive. Employers are prioritising candidates with hands-on experience in automation frameworks such as Selenium, Cypress, and Playwright, alongside scripting capabilities in Python, JavaScript, TypeScript, and traditional enterprise languages like Java and C#.
The role of the Software Development Engineer in Test (SDET) has gained significant traction in Ireland. As Agile, DevOps, and CI/CD practices have matured, the need for testers who can code tests, build frameworks, and collaborate closely with developers has become critical. These hybrid skill sets are commanding premium salaries and are often prioritised over traditional manual QA roles.
2026 Forecast
- Automation: Manual-only testing roles are in steep decline, so demand very much for automation-first testers.
- AI-Assisted Testing: Adoption of AI tools for faster regression, predictive defect detection, and performance testing.
- SDET Demand: Companies value testers who can write code, create frameworks, and work seamlessly with development teams.
- Security & Compliance: Testing embedded within DevSecOps pipelines with a focus on resilience and data privacy.
How much do Testing & QA professionals earn in Ireland?
| Position | Junior (1-3 yrs) | Mid (3-6 yrs) | Senior (6+ yrs) | Daily Contract Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| QA Tester | €35,000 - €45,000 | €45,000 - €60,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €300 - €475 |
| Manual Tester | €40,000 - €50,000 | €50,000 - €60,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €325 - €400 |
| Automation Tester | €40,000 - €55,000 | €55,000 - €75,000 | €75,000 - €90,000 | €450 - €550 |
| Performance Tester | €45,000 - €60,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €70,000 - €90,000 | €450 - €600 |
| SDET | €50,000 - €65,000 | €65,000 - €80,000 | €80,000 - €90,000 | €450 - €600 |
| Test Lead | €65,000 - €70,000 | €70,000 - €75,000 | €75,000 - €85,000 | €475 - €625 |
| Test Manager | €85,000 - €90,000 | €90,000 - €100,000 | €100K+ | €500 - €650 |
| QA Tester | €35,000 - €45,000 | €45,000 - €60,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €300 - €475 |
| Manual Tester | €40,000 - €50,000 | €50,000 - €60,000 | €60,000 - €70,000 | €325 - €400 |
If you have any queries in regards to the salary survey or Testing & QA related, contact Rebecca Lavery on +353 87 164 8450 or email rebecca.lavery@itsearch.ie.
IT Search Tech Salary Guide for 2026
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