As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Tester IV in the United States is $72,710 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Tester IV's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Tester 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 Tester 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 Quality Testing Specialist II | 1-3 years | $54,238 |
| Software Quality Testing Specialist III | 3-5 years | $64,699 |
| Software Tester IV | 5-7 years | $72,706 |
| Software Testing and Quality Supervisor | 7+ years | $120,600 |
| Software QA Manager | 7+ years | $137,639 |
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 Tester IVs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.16% |
| SQL | 3.53% |
| Java | 1.92% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Test Scripts
|
$93,069 |
28%
|
|
Test Plans
|
$90,160 |
24%
|
|
Manual Testing
|
$85,798 |
18%
|
|
Agile
|
$83,617 |
15%
|
|
C#
|
$83,617 |
15%
|
|
Software Quality Assurance
|
$83,617 |
15%
|
Software Tester IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,395. While startup companies pay approximate $68,858.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $68,858 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $72,825 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,601 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,395 |
For Software Tester 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 Tester positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Tester IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $94,523 | $45.0 | 30% |
| Biotechnology | $90,888 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Energy & Utilities | $87,252 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $87,252 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Healthcare | $83,616 | $40.0 | 15% |
Understanding how a Software Tester 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 August 01, 2026For a Software Tester 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 $120,600 - a projected growth of 66% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Tester 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 Tester IV salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,446 |
| 2024 | $70,900 |
| 2025 | $70,642 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Tester IV roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
In the USA, the most in-demand skills include artificial intelligence (AI), software development, and data analysis. As companies invest in these areas, professionals in these fields can expect competitive salaries, with software testers earning between $70,850 and $85,400, reflecting the high demand for technical expertise.
The salary of a Software Tester in India typically ranges from ₹70,850 to ₹85,400 annually, with a mid-range salary of approximately ₹78,380. This reflects the compensation for professionals in this role, highlighting the potential earnings based on experience and expertise in the field.
Yes, software testers are in high demand. With a projected job growth of 17% from 2023 to 2033, approximately 327,900 new positions are expected to emerge. The salary range for software testers is competitive, with a minimum salary of $70,850, a mid-range salary of $78,380, and a maximum salary of $85,400, reflecting the critical role they play in product development.
Software testing can be a stressful and demanding job, as testers face tight deadlines, changing requirements, complex systems, and frequent bugs. Despite these challenges, the role offers competitive salaries, with a minimum of $70,850, a mid-range of $78,380, and a maximum of $85,400, reflecting the importance and expertise required in this field.
The salary for a Software Tester in the USA ranges from $70,850 to $85,400. The mid-range salary is approximately $78,380. This data reflects the typical earnings for this role, providing a clear picture of compensation in the industry.
The salary data for Software Testers indicates a range from $70,850 to $85,400 annually. In comparison, countries like the USA offer higher salaries, with Senior Quality Assurance Engineers earning between $9,000 and $13,750 monthly. This suggests that while Poland has competitive salaries, the USA remains a top payer for QA professionals.
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