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Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV make in the United States?

As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV in the United States is $72,800 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

However, a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,588
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,100 to $77,400
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,642
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View as table View as graph 25% $70,100 10% $67,642 90% $81,588 75% $77,400 $72,800 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,400 $6,450 $1,488 $37
Average $72,800 $6,067 $1,400 $35
25th Percentile $70,100 $5,842 $1,348 $34
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Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salaries

A Software Quality Testing Specialist 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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Quality Testing Specialist Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Testing Specialist 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:

  • Software Quality Testing Specialist II (1-3 years): $54,231
  • Software Quality Testing Specialist III (3-5 years): $64,695
  • Software Quality Testing Specialist IV (5-7 years): $72,705
  • Software Testing and Quality Supervisor (7+ years): $120,603
  • Software QA Manager (7+ years): $137,641
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Testing Specialist II1-3 years$54,231
Software Quality Testing Specialist III3-5 years$64,695
Software Quality Testing Specialist IV5-7 years$72,705
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor7+ years$120,603
Software QA Manager7+ years$137,641
$54,231 Software ...
$64,695 Software ...
$72,705 Software ...
$120,603 Software ...
$137,641 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Testing Specialist IVs

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • San Jose: $91,800
  • San Francisco: $90,700
  • Oakland: $88,800

What Skills Can Increase a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.16% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 3.53% Job Postings): Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
  • Java (Mentioned in 1.92% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.16%
SQL 3.53%
Java 1.92%
What skills can make your compensation higher?
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV's salary.
  • Test Scripts: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Test Plans: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Manual Testing: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Test Scripts
 $93,184
28%
Test Plans
 $90,272
24%
Manual Testing
 $85,904
18%
Agile
 $83,720
15%
C#
 $83,720
15%
Software Quality Assurance
 $83,720
15%
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Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,426. While startup companies pay approximate $68,862.

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup1~50$68,862
Growth Stage51~500$72,833
Established501~5000$78,633
Enterprise5000+$81,426

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Quality Testing Specialist IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 73% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Testing Specialist positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Testing Specialist IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$94,640$46.030%
Biotechnology$91,000$44.025%
Energy & Utilities$87,360$42.020%
Pharmaceuticals$87,360$42.020%
Healthcare$83,720$40.015%

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Quality Testing Specialist 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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on July 01, 2026
$70,100
Average $72,800/year
$77,400
$5,842
Average $6,067/month
$6,450
$1,348
Average $1,400/week
$1,488
$34
Average $35/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,400 $6,450 $1,488 $37
Average $72,800 $6,067 $1,400 $35
25th Percentile $70,100 $5,842 $1,348 $34

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Quality Testing Specialist IV
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor
Software QA Manager

For a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Testing and Quality Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $120,700 - a projected growth of 66% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

Salary Trends for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

Salaries for a Software Quality Testing Specialist IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $70,446 in 2023 to around $70,642 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Testing Specialist IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Quality Testing Specialist IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$70,446
2024
$70,900
2025
$70,642
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $70,446
2024 $70,900
2025 $70,642
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

Here are companies hiring for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Quality Testing Specialist IV

1. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Testing Specialist IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.

2. What is the highest salary in QA?

The highest salary for a Software Quality Testing Specialist is $85,400 per year, while the lowest salary is $70,900 per year. The mid-range salary for this role is $78,400 annually.

3. Is QA in demand in USA?

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 Quality Testing Specialists range from $70,900 to $85,400, with a median of $78,400. Opportunities are available both locally and remotely.

4. How much do junior QA testers make in the US?

Junior QA testers in the US typically earn between $70,900 and $85,400 annually, with a median salary around $78,400. This range reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field, providing a competitive compensation for those starting their careers in software quality testing.

5. How much do QA specialists make in the US?

QA specialists in the US typically earn between $70,900 and $85,400 annually. The average salary is around $78,400, with top earners making up to $105,000. Monthly, this translates to approximately $5,908 to $7,117, depending on experience and location.

6. Which company pays the highest salary to QA?

The salary range for a Software Quality Testing Specialist typically falls between $70,900 and $85,400, with a median salary of $78,400. While specific company salaries may vary, this range provides a general idea of what QA professionals can expect in terms of compensation.

7. What is the average salary for QA tester in USA?

The average salary for a Software Quality Testing Specialist in the USA ranges from $70,900 to $85,400, with a mid-salary of $78,400. This reflects the competitive nature of the field, where salaries can vary based on experience and location.

Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.

We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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