How much does a Test leader, IT make

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Test leader, IT

48 600 kr

System testers and test leaders

43 100 - 53 500 kr / month

Women earn 97% of what men do.

Data/IT

What will be the salary after tax?

Salary progression Test leader, IT

Average salary 48 600 kr
Males 49 100 kr
Females 47 700 kr
1 Likes 0 Comments 97 Vacant jobs ->

What does an IT test manager do? – Tasks and work environment

An IT test manager is responsible for planning, leading, and following up on testing activities during development projects, system implementations, or changes in IT environments. The role involves coordinating test teams, establishing test strategies, and ensuring that requirements are met before new systems or features are put into use. Tasks can include writing test plans, leading daily meetings, analyzing test reports, and suggesting improvements. The work is often done in close collaboration with project managers, developers, and business representatives. The work environment is typically office-based, and the pace can be high, especially before deliveries or deadlines. A test manager needs to be organized, communicative, and capable of managing multiple tasks simultaneously.

Salary development over time

The salary development for IT test managers has shown steady growth over the past three years. In 2022, the average salary was 45,500 SEK per month, rising in 2023 to 47 600. The positive trend continued in 2024 with an average salary of 48 600 SEK per month. The increase between 2022 and 2024 amounts to approximately 6.8%, reflecting high demand for qualified test managers as digitalization and system development accelerate in both private and public sectors. Salary growth is also driven by increased requirements for certifications and experience, as well as leadership skills and technical breadth. The market is expected to remain stable, although supply and demand may vary depending on region and specialization.

Test Manager, IT salary – comprehensive overview

  • Average salary: 48 600 SEK/month
  • Lowest salary: 43,100 SEK/month (female, public sector, pre-university education)
  • Highest salary: 53,500 SEK/month (male, public sector, doctoral degree)
  • Hourly wage (average): 292 SEK/hour
  • Women’s salary as a percentage of men’s: 97% (women: 47 700 SEK, men: 49 100 SEK)

Education and qualifications

To work as an IT test manager, a post-secondary education in systems science, computer engineering, or similar fields is usually required. Experience in software testing and project management, along with relevant certifications, are often in demand. Practical experience from testing roles, preferably in leadership positions, is highly meritorious and can sometimes outweigh formal education.

  • Post-secondary education: Bachelor's or master's degree in systems engineering, computer science, or similar (3–5 years)
  • Certifications: ISTQB, ISEB, or equivalent in test management
  • Experience: Previous roles in testing or development, preferably as a tester or test analyst
  • Prerequisites: Basic understanding of system development and IT processes
  • Self-study and online courses: Ways to supplement or deepen skills

Many IT test managers have the opportunity to work with international teams and projects, gaining valuable experience of global work processes and cultural differences. It is common for English to be used as the working language, even at Swedish workplaces. Those who enjoy collaboration across borders have excellent opportunities to develop in the role.

– statsskuld.se

Common benefits and compensations

IT test managers are often offered benefits such as occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible working hours, and remote work options. Additional benefits can include training support, bonus programs, and access to modern technical equipment. Some companies also offer extra vacation days and health insurance.

Competition and challenges

The competition for IT test manager positions varies by region and industry, but there is generally stable demand for experienced and certified candidates. Challenges in the profession often include managing complex project environments, rapidly changing technical requirements, and high expectations for quality assurance. It requires the ability to prioritize, communicate clearly with stakeholders, and navigate between technology and business goals. The lack of standardized processes in some organizations can also pose additional challenges for the test manager.

Tips for aspiring IT test managers

To succeed as an IT test manager, it is beneficial to combine technical understanding with strong organizational skills. Analytical ability helps to quickly identify risks and suggest effective test strategies, while good communication skills are essential for leading teams and explaining complex problems to stakeholders. Gaining experience in testing, preferably in different project environments, and obtaining certifications that strengthen your profile are smart steps. Being solution-oriented and flexible facilitates handling unexpected changes, and a willingness to continuously learn new methods and tools is an important asset. Building a professional network, both within and outside your organization, helps stay updated and get support in challenging situations.

Key facts about Test Manager, IT

  • Salary range: 43,100–53,500 SEK/month
  • Average salary: 48 600 SEK/month
  • Gender difference (women/men): 47 700/49 100 SEK (97%)
  • Work environment: Office-based, often project-oriented and international
  • Job openings (2024): 179 within the profession

Career paths and future prospects

After a few years as an IT test manager, opportunities include advancing to roles such as test manager, QA lead, or project manager in system development. Some choose to specialize in automated testing or quality assurance at a strategic level. According to the Swedish Public Employment Service, there are currently 179 job openings in the field of system testers and test managers. Although no precise forecast exists for test managers as a standalone profession due to limited data, demand is expected to remain strong thanks to increasing digitalization. Further education and certifications improve career prospects, and experience from international projects is especially valuable.

Common questions about Test Manager, IT

  • What does an IT test manager earn?
    - The average salary is 48 600 SEK/month, with a range between 43,100 and 53,500 SEK/month.
  • Are there salary differences between men and women?
    - Yes, women earn 47 700 SEK and men 49 100 SEK, which means women earn 97% of men's salaries.
  • What education is required to become an IT test manager?
    - Usually, post-secondary education in IT or systems science, along with testing experience and certifications, are required.
  • What is the job market like for test managers?
    - Currently, there are 179 job openings in the profession, and demand is expected to remain stable.
  • What are common benefits for IT test managers?
    - Benefits include occupational pension, wellness allowance, flexible hours, and remote work options.
  • What are career opportunities after a few years as a test manager?
    - Possible roles include test manager, QA responsible, or project manager, as well as specialization in automated testing.

Richard Andersson

Richard Andersson - 2025-07-06 10:04:13

Occupation
Who has the highest salary?
The highest salary for a Test leader, IT is 53500 kr. This salary belongs to a man working in the Public sector with a postgraduate education. The highest salary for a woman in this profession is 50700 kr.
Who has the lowest salary?
The lowest salary for a Test leader, IT is 43100 kr. This salary belongs to a woman also working in the Public sector. The lowest salary for a man in this profession is 44700 kr.
Salary distributed by age and sector
Age Women's salary as a percentage of men's Base salary Monthly salary
25-34 102% 41500 kr 41800 kr
35-44 95% 47300 kr 47800 kr
45-54 93% 51200 kr 51800 kr
55-64 94% 52900 kr 53700 kr
Snitt 97% 48100 kr 48600 kr
* Empty columns indicate that the statistical data was insufficient to allow for a statistically significant conclusion.
Salary per sector
Salary based on education
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About the data

All information displayed on this page is based on data from the Swedish Central Bureau of Statistics (SCB), the Swedish Tax Agency and the Swedish employment agency. Learn more about our data and data sources here.

All figures are gross salaries, meaning salaries before tax. The average salary, or mean salary, is calculated by adding up the total salary for all individuals within the profession and dividing it by the number of individuals. For specific job categories, we have also considered various criteria such as experience and education.

Profession Test leader, IT has the SSYK code 2514, which we use to match against the SCB database to obtain the latest salary statistics.

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