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Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI in the United States is $176,550 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $185,663
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $164,210 to $181,320
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $152,975
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View as table View as graph 25% $164,210 10% $152,975 90% $185,663 75% $181,320 $176,550 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $181,320 $15,110 $3,487 $87
Average $176,550 $14,713 $3,395 $85
25th Percentile $164,210 $13,684 $3,158 $79
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Key Factors That Influence Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI Salaries

A Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI'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 Testing and Quality Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI'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 QA Engineer IV (7+ years): $131,448
  • Software QA Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,658
  • Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI (10-12 years): $176,547
  • Software Testing and Quality Supervisor (12+ years): $120,618
  • Software QA Manager (12+ years): $137,647
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software QA Engineer IV7+ years$131,448
Software QA Engineer V7-10 years$153,658
Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI10-12 years$176,547
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor12+ years$120,618
Software QA Manager12+ years$137,647
$131,448 Software ...
$153,658 Software ...
$176,547 Software ...
$120,618 Software ...
$137,647 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Testing and Quality Engineer VIs

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: $222,680
  • San Francisco: $220,490
  • Oakland: $215,600

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

Understanding how a Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI'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
$164,210
Average $176,550/year
$181,320
$13,684
Average $14,713/month
$15,110
$3,158
Average $3,395/week
$3,487
$79
Average $85/hour
$87
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $181,320 $15,110 $3,487 $87
Average $176,550 $14,713 $3,395 $85
25th Percentile $164,210 $13,684 $3,158 $79

Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI
Software Testing and Quality Supervisor
Software QA Director

For a Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI, 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 -32% over your current level.

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Most common benefits for Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI

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Common company salaries for Software Testing and Quality Engineer VI

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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.)

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