SDET ROADMAP
Your complete guide to becoming a Full Stack Software Engineer in Test (SDET) / QA Engineer
SDET Career Path
Becoming a Full-Stack Software Engineer in Test (SDET) opens the door to one of the most in-demand and future-proof careers in tech. As a Full-Stack SDET, you master both frontend and backend testing, automation frameworks, API validation, CI/CD pipelines, cloud technologies, and now AI-powered testing. This unique combination makes you a critical engineer who ensures software quality from end to end—far beyond traditional QA roles.
Job opportunities for Full-Stack SDETs are booming across industries like fintech, healthcare, government, aerospace, e-commerce, AI startups, cybersecurity, and more. Companies are now prioritizing engineers who can write automation code, design scalable frameworks, integrate AI-driven test generation, and collaborate closely with developers. Because of this high demand, Full-Stack SDETs consistently enjoy strong job security and faster career growth than manual testers.
Salary ranges are highly competitive, typically starting from $95k–$120k for entry to mid-level and reaching $140k–$200k+ for senior and lead SDET roles—especially for engineers skilled in Playwright, Python/TypeScript, cloud (AWS), DevOps, and AI-assisted automation. With AI transforming the testing landscape, Full-Stack SDETs who leverage AI tools for intelligent test generation, self-healing scripts, and smart validation become even more valuable—making this career one of the most rewarding paths in today's technology market.
SDET Roadmap - Full Stack Software Engineer in Test

Key Learning Areas
Foundation Skills
- •Manual Testing Fundamentals
- •Test Design & Execution
- •Bug Tracking & Reporting
- •SDLC & STLC Understanding
Programming & Automation
- •Programming Languages (Java, Python, JavaScript)
- •Automation Frameworks (Selenium, Playwright, Cypress)
- •API Testing & Tools
- •Mobile Testing (Appium)
Advanced Topics
- •CI/CD Integration
- •Performance & Security Testing
- •Test Architecture & Design Patterns
- •Cloud & DevOps Practices
Ready to Start Your SDET Journey?
Follow this comprehensive roadmap and enroll in our courses to master all the skills needed to become a successful SDET.
