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Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III make in the United States? (2025)

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III in the United States is $100,790 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $48.

However, a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $117,411
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $93,190 to $109,490
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $86,271
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View as table View as graph 25% $93,190 10% $86,271 90% $117,411 75% $109,490 $100,790 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $109,490 $9,124 $2,106 $53
Average $100,790 $8,399 $1,938 $48
25th Percentile $93,190 $7,766 $1,792 $45
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Key Factors That Influence Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salaries

A Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III'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.

How Experience Level Affects Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $97,432
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $97,991
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $99,111
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $103,447
  • Expert (over 8 years): $105,838
Levels Salary
Entry Level Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III $97,432
Intermediate Level Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III $97,991
Senior Level Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III $99,111
Specialist Level Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III $103,447
Expert Level Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III $105,838
$97,432 0 yr
$97,991 < 2 yrs
$99,111 2-4 yrs
$103,447 5-8 yrs
$105,838 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Do Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Quality Testing and Methods Engineer IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:

  • California: $111,190.
  • Massachusetts: $109,690.
  • New Jersey: $109,290

How Education impacts a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Testing and Methods Engineer IIIs 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 Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $101,686 and $106,318.

Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 0.6%
High School 2.8%
Associates 6.1%
Bachelors 52.6%
Masters 36.4%
Doctorate 1.4%
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Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III'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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Quality Testing and Methods Engineer IIIs

Salaries for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $102,459 in 2023 to around $102,924 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$102,459
2024
$103,109
2025
$102,924
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $102,459
2024 $103,109
2025 $102,924
2026
View More

Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 63.6%
Bonuses 8.5%
Social Security 5.5%
401k/403b 3.0%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 5.3%
Pension 3.9%
Time Off 8.9%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $100,790 63.6%
Bonus $13,400 8.5%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $8,736 5.5%
401K/403B $4,796 3.0%
Disability $2,284 1.4%
Healthcare $8,352 5.3%
Pension $6,166 3.9%
Time Off $14,054 8.9%
Total Compensation $158,578 100%
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Most common benefits for Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III

Here are companies hiring for Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Quality Testing and Methods Engineer III

1. What is the next level of QA engineer?

One of the highest positions on the QA engineer path is a quality assurance manager, who typically oversees a large QA team or department. They handle higher-level tasks such as process development, risk management, and employee management, including hiring and performance assessment. Salaries for this role range from $97,990 to $115,390, with a midpoint of $106,390.

2. How much do QA engineers make in the USA?

The salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer in the USA ranges from $97,990 to $115,390, with a mid-salary of $106,390. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, considering both base salary and potential additional cash compensation.

3. What is the highest salary in QA?

The highest salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer is $115,390 per year, while the lowest salary is $97,990 per year. The mid-range salary for this position is $106,390 per year, reflecting the competitive nature of the field.

4. How much do L3 engineers make in the US?

As of January 23, 2025, the salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer in the United States ranges from $97,990 to $115,390 annually, with a mid-salary of $106,390. This translates to approximately $47.05 to $55.46 per hour, or $1,884 to $2,203 per week, and $8,499 to $9,533 per month.

5. What is the expected salary for QA?

The expected salary for a Quality Testing and Methods Engineer ranges from $97,990 to $115,390 annually, with a midpoint of $106,390. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in this field, highlighting the value of expertise in quality assurance and testing methodologies.

6. What is a QA engineer III?

A QA Engineer III is responsible for leading medium to large projects, managing test plans, facilitating user acceptance testing, and reporting on testing activities. They identify and report defects, collaborate on quality assurance best practices, and mentor junior engineers. The salary for this role ranges from $97,990 to $115,390, with a midpoint of $106,390.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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