As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA/Validation Engineer V in the United States is $150,390 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $72.
However, a QA/Validation Engineer V's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QA/Validation Engineer V's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education, and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a QA/Validation Engineer V's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| QA/Validation Engineer III | 4-7 years | $100,757 |
| QA/Validation Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,315 |
| QA/Validation Engineer V | 7-10 years | $150,352 |
| QA/Validation Engineering Supervisor | 10+ years | $112,623 |
| QA/Validation Engineering Manager | 10+ years | $131,646 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract QA/Validation Engineer Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.85% |
| Scrum | 2.79% |
| ISO | 1.74% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Debugging
|
$159,413 |
6%
|
|
Networking
|
$157,910 |
5%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$156,406 |
4%
|
|
Process Improvement
|
$154,902 |
3%
|
|
Products and Services
|
$154,902 |
3%
|
|
Alignment
|
$154,902 |
3%
|
QA/Validation Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $168,353. While startup companies pay approximate $142,423.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $142,423 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $150,629 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $162,575 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $168,353 |
For QA/Validation Engineer V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 58% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, QA/Validation Engineer positions in Transportation or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA/Validation Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $195,507 | $94.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $187,988 | $90.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $180,468 | $87.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $172,948 | $83.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $165,429 | $80.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QA/Validation Engineer Vs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a QA/Validation Engineer V with a Bachelor's Degree is between $151,135 and $157,800).
QA/Validation Engineer V Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.7% |
| High School | 3.7% |
| Associates | 3.7% |
| Bachelors | 52.1% |
| Masters | 36.2% |
| Doctorate | 4.3% |
Understanding how a QA/Validation Engineer V's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on August 01, 2026For a QA/Validation Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the QA/Validation Engineering Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $112,700 - a projected growth of -25% over your current level.
Salaries for a QA/Validation Engineer V can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $145,351 in 2023 to around $143,683 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QA/Validation Engineer V salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $145,351 |
| 2024 | $145,675 |
| 2025 | $143,683 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for QA/Validation Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
The entry-level salary for a Validation Specialist typically ranges from $145,990 to $170,890 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $157,890. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled QA/Validation Engineers.
The estimated total pay for a QA/Validation Engineer in the US ranges from $145,990 to $170,890 per year, with a mid-salary of $157,890. These figures reflect the salary range based on industry data and represent the compensation for professionals in this field.
The salary for a Senior QA/Validation Engineer ranges from $145,990 to $170,890, with a mid-point salary of $157,890. This reflects the competitive compensation for this role, highlighting the value of expertise in quality assurance and validation within the industry.
The highest salary for a QA/Validation Engineer is $170,890. The salary range for this role typically starts at $145,990, with a mid-level salary of $157,890. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals in quality assurance and validation engineering.
As a QA/Validation Engineer, you can expect a salary ranging from $145,990 to $170,890 annually, with a mid-salary of $157,890. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled professionals in quality assurance.
The estimated total pay for a QA/Validation Engineer ranges from $145,990 to $170,890 per year, with a mid-salary of $157,890. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, highlighting the value of expertise in quality assurance and validation processes.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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