As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer I in the United States is $73,200 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software QA Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software QA Engineer I'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 Software QA Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Software QA Engineer I | 0-2 years | $73,146 |
| Software QA Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,891 |
| Software QA Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,835 |
| Software QA Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,448 |
| Software QA Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,658 |
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 Software QA Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.71% |
| Test Automation | 3.05% |
| Automated Testing | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Java
|
$76,128 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$75,396 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$75,396 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$75,396 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$75,396 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$74,664 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software QA Engineer Is enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Software QA Engineer I with a No Diploma is between $61,900 and $65,912).
Software QA Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 5.2% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 56.7% |
| Masters | 23.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software QA Engineer I'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 March 01, 2026For a Software QA Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software QA Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,900 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software QA Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,475 in 2023 to around $69,558 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software QA Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $70,475 |
| 2024 | $70,146 |
| 2025 | $69,558 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Yes, QA is in demand in the USA, with a projected growth of 25% for quality control and testing specialists by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salaries for Software QA Analysts range from $62,800 to $76,200, with a median of $69,400. This demand is consistent across various locations, including remote opportunities.
The salary for a Software QA Analyst varies significantly by country. In the USA, the average salary ranges from $62,800 to $76,200 annually, with a midpoint of $69,400. Other countries like Canada and Switzerland also offer competitive salaries, but the USA generally provides the highest compensation for QA professionals.
QA software testers in the U.S. typically earn between $62,800 and $76,200 annually, with a median salary of around $69,400. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a solid foundation for those considering a career in software quality assurance.
Titles such as 'QA Manager', 'Director of Quality Assurance', or 'VP of Quality' typically offer the highest salaries, ranging from $62,800 to $76,200. These positions involve comprehensive oversight of QA processes, strategy implementation, and team management, reflecting the critical role they play in ensuring product quality and team effectiveness.
Many QA professionals begin by mastering basic testing principles and advance to more technical roles, such as automation testing. Is Quality Assurance a good-paying job? Yes, it is considered well-paying, with salaries ranging from $62,800 to $76,200, and a median salary of $69,400, making it an attractive career choice.
One in-demand IT certification in the USA is the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP). This certification is sought after by experienced IT professionals who specialize in cybersecurity. CISSP holders are skilled in identifying vulnerabilities in networked systems and developing policies to protect these systems. Software QA Analysts can expect salaries ranging from $62,800 to $76,200.
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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