As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer III in Calpine, CA is $114,700 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.
However, a Software QA Engineer III's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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, skills 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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software QA Engineer I | 0-2 years | $73,673 |
| Software QA Engineer II | 2-4 years | $94,567 |
| Software QA Engineer III | 4-7 years | $114,655 |
| Software QA Engineer IV | 7+ years | $132,394 |
| Software QA Engineer V | 7-10 years | $154,764 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.96% |
| Test Scripts | 3.27% |
| Manual Testing | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$119,288 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$118,141 |
3%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$118,141 |
3%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$116,994 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$116,994 |
2%
|
|
Integrity
|
$115,847 |
1%
|
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 March 01, 2026For a Software QA Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software QA Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $132,400 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software QA Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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