As of November 01, 2025, the average hourly rate for a Software QA Engineer III in the United States is $55, which translates to an annual salary of about $113,900.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Software QA 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.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software QA 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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software QA Engineer III | $110,049 |
| Intermediate Level Software QA Engineer III | $110,691 |
| Senior Level Software QA Engineer III | $111,975 |
| Specialist Level Software QA Engineer III | $113,900 |
| Expert Level Software QA Engineer III | $116,251 |
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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software QA 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 Software QA Engineer III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,173 and $111,278.
Software QA Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 1.1% |
| High School | 7.7% |
| Associates | 4.8% |
| Bachelors | 55.8% |
| Masters | 30.0% |
| Doctorate | 0.6% |
Understanding how a Software QA 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, 2025Salaries for a Software QA Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,219 in 2023 to around $107,834 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software QA Engineer III salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $108,219 |
| 2024 | $108,525 |
| 2025 | $107,834 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $113,900 | 68.7% |
| Bonus | $5,800 | 3.5% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $9,157 | 5.5% |
| 401K/403B | $5,027 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $2,394 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 5.0% |
| Pension | $6,464 | 3.9% |
| Time Off | $14,732 | 8.9% |
| Total Compensation | $165,827 | 100% |
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The highest salary for a Software QA Analyst is $120,700 per year, while the lowest salary is $102,200 per year. The mid-range salary for this position is $111,100 annually.
With 3 years of experience in automation testing, you can expect a salary in the range of $102,200 to $120,700 annually. This reflects the growing expertise and ability to manage test automation projects independently, positioning you well within the industry standards for Software QA Analysts.
Yes, QA is in high 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 $102,200 to $120,700, with a median of $111,100, reflecting the strong need for skilled professionals in this field.
Titles such as 'QA Manager', 'Director of Quality Assurance', or 'VP of Quality' typically offer the highest salaries, ranging from a minimum of $102,200 to a maximum of $120,700. These positions involve comprehensive oversight of QA processes, strategy implementation, and team management, with a mid-salary around $111,100 reflecting their significant responsibilities.
Yes, Quality Assurance is considered a well-paying field. The salary data for Software QA Analysts shows a minimum salary of $102,200, a mid-range salary of $111,100, and a maximum salary of $120,700. Many QA professionals start with basic testing principles and can advance to more technical roles, leading to competitive compensation.
Software testers can earn competitive salaries, with a range from $102,200 to $120,700 annually. Entry-level positions typically start around the minimum salary, while experienced professionals can reach the mid to maximum salary levels. Factors such as experience, skills, and location significantly influence these earnings.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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