As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I in the United States is $73,170 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $78,350 | $6,529 | $1,507 | $38 |
| Average | $73,170 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,920 | $5,660 | $1,306 | $33 |
A Software Testing and Quality Engineer I'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 Testing and Quality Engineer I'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 Testing and Quality Engineer I | 0-2 years | $73,170 |
| Software QA Engineer II | 2-4 years | $93,896 |
| Software QA Engineer III | 4-7 years | $113,831 |
| Software QA Engineer IV | 7+ years | $131,460 |
| Software QA Engineer V | 7-10 years | $153,788 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.71% |
| Test Automation | 3.05% |
| Automated Testing | 1.76% |
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 Testing and Quality Engineer I's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Java | $76,097 | |
| Innovation | $75,365 | |
| Software Development | $75,365 |
Software Testing and Quality Engineer I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,771. While startup companies pay approximate $69,170.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $69,170 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $73,154 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $78,960 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $81,771 |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Testing and Quality Engineer Is enter the field with a No Diploma 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 Testing and Quality Engineer I with a No Diploma is between $61,840 and $65,883).
| Typical Education for Software Testing and Quality Engineer I | |
|---|---|
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 5.2% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 56.7% |
| Masters | 23.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $78,350 | $6,529 | $1,507 | $38 |
| Average | $73,170 | $6,098 | $1,407 | $35 |
| 25th Percentile | $67,920 | $5,660 | $1,306 | $33 |
Next Role
Advancement
For a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software QA Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $93,900 - a projected growth of 28% over your current level.
Salaries for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,475 in 2023 to around $69,558 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Testing and Quality Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $70,475 |
| 2024 | $70,146 |
| 2025 | $69,558 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Testing and Quality Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
The salary of a Software Testing and Quality Engineer typically ranges from $62,730 to $76,150, with a mid-point salary of $69,390. This range reflects the compensation for professionals in this field, varying based on experience and expertise.
The salary data for Software Testing and Quality Engineers in the USA shows a minimum salary of $62,730, a mid-range salary of $69,390, and a maximum salary of $76,150. While these roles are essential, they typically earn less than top-paying positions like Full Stack Developers and Data Scientists, which average over $114,000 annually.
A QA Test Engineer in the USA typically earns between $62,730 and $76,150 annually, with a median salary of around $69,390. This places the average earnings lower than some higher-paying roles, but still competitive within the tech industry.
Quality engineers typically enjoy a balanced work environment, with salaries ranging from $62,730 to $76,150. While they rarely face overtime or strict deadlines, the role can still be stressful, especially when addressing manufacturing issues or product defects that require prompt solutions.
QA engineers typically earn competitive salaries. Based on recent data, the minimum salary is $62,730, the mid-range salary is $69,390, and the maximum salary can reach $76,150. While these figures may vary by location and experience, they indicate that QA roles offer solid compensation within the tech industry.
The lowest salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer is $62,730 per year. If you're considering a career in this field or looking to advance, it's important to understand the role, career progression, and salary expectations associated with Software Testing and Quality Engineering.
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