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Software QA Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software QA Engineer I make in the United States?

As of September 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,134
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $68,000 to $78,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,266

Key Factors That Influence Software QA Engineer I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Software QA Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Software QA Engineer I (0-2 years): $73,170
  • Software QA Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,896
  • Software QA Engineer III (4-7 years): $113,831
  • Software QA Engineer IV (7+ years): $131,460
  • Software QA Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,788
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software QA Engineer I0-2 years$73,170
Software QA Engineer II2-4 years$93,896
Software QA Engineer III4-7 years$113,831
Software QA Engineer IV7+ years$131,460
Software QA Engineer V7-10 years$153,788

Top Paying Cities for Software QA Engineer Is

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $92,300
  • San Francisco: $91,300
  • Oakland: $89,400

What Skills Can Increase a Software QA Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.71% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Test Automation (Mentioned in 3.05% Job Postings): Leveraging automation tools to maintain test data, execute tests, and analyze test results to improve software quality.
  • Automated Testing (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Test automation is the use of software to control the execution of tests and the comparison of predicted to actual outcomes.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.71%
Test Automation 3.05%
Automated Testing 1.76%

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software QA Engineer I's salary.

  • Java: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Java $76,128
4%
Innovation $75,396
3%
Software Development $75,396
3%

Software QA Engineer I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software QA Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,804. While startup companies pay approximate $69,198.

Software QA Engineer I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $69,198
Growth Stage 51~500 $73,184
Established 501~5000 $78,992
Enterprise 5000+ $81,804

Software QA Engineer I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software QA Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Software QA Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software QA Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software QA Engineer I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Software & Networking$109,800$53.050%
Pharmaceuticals$91,500$44.025%
Financial Services$87,840$42.020%
Energy & Utilities$84,180$40.015%
Biotechnology$80,520$39.010%

How Education impacts a Software QA Engineer I's Salary?

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

Typical Education for Software QA Engineer I
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%

Software QA Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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 September 01, 2026
$68,000
Average $73,200/year
$78,400
$5,667
Average $6,100/month
$6,533
$1,308
Average $1,408/week
$1,508
$33
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,400 $6,533 $1,508 $38
Average $73,200 $6,100 $1,408 $35
25th Percentile $68,000 $5,667 $1,308 $33

Software QA Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

For 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.

Most common benefits for Software QA Engineer I

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Software QA Engineer I

Here are companies hiring for Software QA Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software QA Engineer I

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software QA Engineer I?

The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software QA Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.

2. Is QA in demand in USA?

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.

3. Which country pays highest salary for QA?

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.

4. How much do QA software testers make in the Us?

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.

5. What is the highest position in QA?

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.

6. Is QA a high paying job?

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.

7. Which IT certification is in demand in USA?

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.

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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