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Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III make in the United States? (2025)

As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III in the United States is $113,840 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $55.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $125,494
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $105,330 to $119,940
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $97,582
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View as table View as graph 25% $105,330 10% $97,582 90% $125,494 75% $119,940 $113,840 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary
Monthly
Pay
Weekly
Pay
Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $119,940 $9,995 $2,307 $58
Average $113,840 $9,487 $2,189 $55
25th Percentile $105,330 $8,778 $2,026 $51
Check out Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Job Openings in the United States
Software Engineer III

Black Eagle Defense - FORT GEORGE G MEADE, MD

Software Engineer III

Highbury Defense Group - SAN DIEGO, CA

Software Engineer III

Cinteot Inc. - HERNDON, VA

Senior Software Engineer III

ALTA IT Services - ANNAPOLIS JUNCTION, MD

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Key Factors That Influence Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Salaries

A Software Testing and Quality Engineer III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III'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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $110,016
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $110,653
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $111,928
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $113,840
  • Expert (over 8 years): $116,183
Levels Salary
Entry Level Software Testing and Quality Engineer III $110,016
Intermediate Level Software Testing and Quality Engineer III $110,653
Senior Level Software Testing and Quality Engineer III $111,928
Specialist Level Software Testing and Quality Engineer III $113,840
Expert Level Software Testing and Quality Engineer III $116,183
$110,016 0 yr
$110,653 < 2 yrs
$111,928 2-4 yrs
$113,840 5-8 yrs
$116,183 > 8 yrs
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What Am I Worth?

How Education impacts a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III's Salary?

Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Testing and Quality Engineer IIIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 III with a Bachelor's Degree is between $106,099 and $111,189.

Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Salaries by Degree Level

Typical Education for Software Testing and Quality Engineer III
Degree Level % of user with this level of education
No Diploma 1.1%
High School 7.7%
Associates 4.8%
Bachelors 55.8%
Masters 30.0%
Doctorate 0.6%
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Software Testing and Quality Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III'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 November 01, 2025

Salary Trends for Software Testing and Quality Engineer IIIs

Salaries for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer III can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $108,219 in 2023 to around $107,834 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Testing and Quality Engineer III salary trends, .

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

2022
$???
2023
$108,219
2024
$108,525
2025
$107,834
2026
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $108,219
2024 $108,525
2025 $107,834
2026
View More

Software Testing and Quality Engineer III bonus and incentive rates

Based on HR-reported data: a national average with a geographic differential
Base Salary 68.7%
Bonuses 3.5%
Social Security 5.5%
401k/403b 3.0%
Disability 1.4%
Healthcare 5.0%
Pension 3.9%
Time Off 8.9%
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Core Compensation
Median % of Total
Base Salary $113,840 68.7%
Bonus $5,810 3.5%
Value of Benefits
Median % of Total
Social Security $9,153 5.5%
401K/403B $5,025 3.0%
Disability $2,393 1.4%
Healthcare $8,352 5.0%
Pension $6,461 3.9%
Time Off $14,726 8.9%
Total Compensation $165,761 100%
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Most common benefits for Software Testing and Quality Engineer III

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

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Testing and Quality Engineer III job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Software Testing and Quality Engineer III

1. Does a QA tester require coding?

While coding skills can be beneficial for QA professionals, they are not mandatory. QA professionals focus on test planning, test case design, test execution, defect management, and ensuring software quality. Salaries for Software Testing and Quality Engineers range from $102,160 to $120,610, with a mid-salary of $111,100.

2. Do software testers make good money?

Software testing salaries can vary based on experience, skills, location, and organization. On average, software testers can expect to earn a minimum of $102,160, with mid-level professionals earning around $111,100, and experienced testers making up to $120,610 annually. This reflects a competitive salary range in the industry.

3. Is software Engineer III entry level?

Software Engineer III is not considered entry-level. This mid-level position typically requires three to six years of experience. Professionals at this level can work independently and assist junior engineers with tasks and troubleshooting. The salary range for Software Testing and Quality Engineers is between $102,160 and $120,610, with a mid-salary of $111,100.

4. How much does a software engineer III make at JP Morgan?

The salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer typically ranges from $102,160 to $120,610, with a mid-point of $111,100. This range reflects base salaries and may vary based on experience, location, and additional compensation such as bonuses or stock options. The figures provided offer a general overview of expected earnings in this role.

5. How much does a 3 year experience software developer earn in USA?

A Software Testing and Quality Engineer with 3 years of experience in the USA typically earns between $102,160 and $120,610 annually. The average salary for this role is around $111,100. This range reflects the growing demand for skilled professionals in software quality assurance and testing.

6. How much does a 3 year experienced software tester make?

A software tester with 3 years of experience typically earns an average annual salary ranging from $102,160 to $120,610. The midpoint salary for this role is approximately $111,100, reflecting the competitive nature of the industry and the demand for skilled quality engineers.

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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