As of June 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer IV in the United States is $131,500 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $63.
However, a Software QA Engineer IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software QA Engineer IV'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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software QA Engineer IV'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 II | 2-4 years | $93,893 |
| Software QA Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,833 |
| Software QA Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,454 |
| Software QA Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,722 |
| Software QA Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $176,613 |
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 IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.01% |
| Software Testing | 3.19% |
| Scrum | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$145,965 |
11%
|
|
Programming
|
$139,390 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$136,760 |
4%
|
|
Debugging
|
$136,760 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$136,760 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$136,760 |
4%
|
Understanding how a Software QA Engineer IV'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 June 01, 2026For a Software QA Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software QA Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $153,800 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software QA Engineer IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $122,496 in 2023 to around $121,031 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software QA Engineer IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $122,496 |
| 2024 | $121,757 |
| 2025 | $121,031 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The salary data for Software QA Analysts indicates a range with a minimum salary of $120,400, a mid-level salary of $130,500, and a maximum salary of $141,200. Companies that offer salaries within this range are likely to be competitive in the market, but specific company comparisons would require additional data on individual company salaries.
The highest salary for a Software QA Analyst is $141,200 per year, while the lowest salary is $120,400 per year. The mid-range salary for this position is $130,500 annually.
QA testers can earn competitive salaries, with a range for Software QA Analysts between $120,400 and $141,200. The midpoint salary is approximately $130,500, reflecting the demand for skilled professionals in this field. This compensation is significantly higher than the average salary reported for QA testers in the US.
Conclusion: Automation Jobs are the Future 🚀 In 2024 and 2025, automation testing roles will dominate the QA market. With salaries ranging from $120,400 to $141,200, it's a lucrative career. For freshers or manual testers, upskilling is critical. You need to add automation testing skills, learn Java or Python, and build a portfolio that showcases real projects.
In comparing salaries, a Software QA Analyst earns between $120,400 and $141,200, with a mid-salary of $130,500. This is significantly higher than the average salary of a Business Analyst, which is around $74,431. Therefore, Software QA Analysts are generally paid more than Business Analysts.
Yes, QA is in demand in the USA. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25% increase in demand for quality control and testing specialists by 2032, surpassing the average for other professions. Software QA Analysts can expect salaries ranging from $120,400 to $141,200, with a median salary of $130,500, reflecting strong job opportunities.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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