Is 6.5 LPA a Competitive Salary for a Lateral Test Engineer with 2-3 Years of Experience?

A salary of 6.5 Lakhs Per Annum (LPA) for a lateral test engineer with 2-3 years of experience can be considered average to slightly below average in India, depending on various factors such as location, company, skill set, and industry. It is important to evaluate these factors to determine if the salary aligns with market standards.

Location

Salaries in tech hubs like Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Pune tend to be higher than in smaller cities. If you are seeking a higher salary, consider relocating to these tech hub cities. Smaller cities may offer lower salaries, but the cost of living is generally lower as well.

Company

The size and reputation of the company also play a significant role in determining salary levels. Established firms and multinational companies often compensate better than startups or smaller firms. Research the company's offerings and consider the competitive landscape to ensure a fair salary match.

Skill Set

Proficiency in specific tools, technologies, or programming languages can impact salary. Engineers with skills in automation testing or experience with popular testing frameworks can command higher salaries. Continuously enhancing your skill set can provide you with a competitive edge in the job market.

Industry

Different industries may offer varying pay scales. For instance, finance or healthcare tech companies might pay more than others. Research the specific industry in which you are interested and understand the regional and national pay scales.

While 6.5 LPA is within the range for this experience level, it may be beneficial to research specific companies and locations to determine if this figure aligns with market standards. A good package should be 1-2 lakhs more than your current experience. If you are looking for a higher salary, consider increasing your knowledge and networking, and reaching out to experts in your field to explore bigger opportunities with larger packages.

For 3 years and above, you can aspire to the role of a Test Analyst. You can get the role change after your first rating, which might take another 2 years. It is therefore better to get the role now if you are 3 years and above. If you are just 2 years in, the offer and role are both impressive.

6.5 LPA is quite high for a person with 2 years of experience, but close to ideal for someone with 3 years. This is particularly true if you have been with the same firm or have switched. If you have 2 years of experience, 5 LPA is a good number. For 3 years, anything above 6 LPA is considered good. These benchmarks apply specifically to service-based IT companies.