As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer I in Columbia, MD is $75,300 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
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, skills 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software QA Engineer I | $74,937 |
| Intermediate Level Software QA Engineer I | $75,512 |
| Senior Level Software QA Engineer I | $76,710 |
| Specialist Level Software QA Engineer I | $76,950 |
| Expert Level Software QA Engineer I | $77,110 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.71% |
| Test Automation | 3.05% |
| Automated Testing | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Java
|
$78,312 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$77,559 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$77,559 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$77,559 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$77,559 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$76,806 |
2%
|
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 November 01, 2025Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software QA Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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