As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer I in Wayne, MI is $72,500 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, 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software QA Engineer I | 0-2 years | $72,450 |
| Software QA Engineer II | 2-4 years | $92,976 |
| Software QA Engineer III | 4-7 years | $112,718 |
| Software QA Engineer IV | 7+ years | $130,171 |
| Software QA Engineer V | 7-10 years | $152,261 |
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
|
$75,400 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$74,675 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$74,675 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$74,675 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$74,675 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$73,950 |
2%
|
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 $81,160. While startup companies pay approximate $68,659.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,659 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,615 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,374 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,160 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $108,750 | $52.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $90,625 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $87,000 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,375 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $79,750 | $38.0 | 10% |
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 August 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 $93,000 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Ready 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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