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Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I make in the United States?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I in the United States is $73,150 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:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $83,046
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $67,890 to $78,330
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $63,101
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View as table View as graph 25% $67,890 10% $63,101 90% $83,046 75% $78,330 $73,150 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $78,330 $6,528 $1,506 $38
Average $73,150 $6,096 $1,407 $35
25th Percentile $67,890 $5,658 $1,306 $33
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Key Factors That Influence Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salaries

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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Testing and Quality Engineer Salaries?

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:

  • Software Testing and Quality Engineer I (0-2 years): $73,146
  • Software QA Engineer II (2-4 years): $93,891
  • Software QA Engineer III (4-7 years): $113,835
  • Software QA Engineer IV (7+ years): $131,448
  • Software QA Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,658
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Testing and Quality Engineer I0-2 years$73,146
Software QA Engineer II2-4 years$93,891
Software QA Engineer III4-7 years$113,835
Software QA Engineer IV7+ years$131,448
Software QA Engineer V7-10 years$153,658
$73,146 Software ...
$93,891 Software ...
$113,835 Software ...
$131,448 Software ...
$153,658 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Testing and Quality Engineer Is

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: $92,260
  • San Francisco: $91,360
  • Oakland: $89,330

What Skills Can Increase a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.71% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Test Automation (Mentioned in 3.05% Job Postings): Leveraging automation tools to maintain test data, execute tests, and analyze test results to improve software quality.
  • Automated Testing (Mentioned in 1.76% Job Postings): Test automation is the use of software to control the execution of tests and the comparison of predicted to actual outcomes.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.71%
Test Automation 3.05%
Automated Testing 1.76%
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 Testing and Quality Engineer I's salary.
  • Java: Can increase your salary by up to 4%.
  • Innovation: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
  • Software Development: Can increase your salary by up to 3%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Java
 $76,076
4%
Innovation
 $75,345
3%
Software Development
 $75,345
3%
Computer Science
 $75,345
3%
Programming
 $75,345
3%
Test Automation
 $74,613
2%
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How Education impacts a Software Testing and Quality Engineer I's Salary?

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).

Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level

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%
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Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on March 01, 2026
$67,890
Average $73,150/year
$78,330
$5,658
Average $6,096/month
$6,528
$1,306
Average $1,407/week
$1,506
$33
Average $35/hour
$38
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $78,330 $6,528 $1,506 $38
Average $73,150 $6,096 $1,407 $35
25th Percentile $67,890 $5,658 $1,306 $33

Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Testing and Quality Engineer I
Software QA Engineer II
Software QA Director

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 of jobs related to Software Testing and Quality Engineer I

Salary Trends for Software Testing and Quality Engineer I

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, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Testing and Quality Engineer I Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$70,475
2024
$70,146
2025
$69,558
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $70,475
2024 $70,146
2025 $69,558
2026
View More
2027
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Most common benefits for Software Testing and Quality Engineer I

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Testing and Quality Engineer I

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

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FAQ about Software Testing and Quality Engineer I

1. What is the salary of a QA tester?

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.

2. Which software engineer has highest salary in USA?

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.

3. How much does a QA test engineer earn in USA?

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.

4. Is quality engineer a stressful job?

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.

5. Do QA engineers get paid well?

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.

6. What is the lowest salary of QA?

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.

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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