As of August 01, 2026, the average hourly rate for a Validation Specialist V in the United States is $67, which translates to an annual salary of about $138,720.
However, the hourly wage can vary significantly based on several factors. Here’s a detailed look at the typical pay range per hour:
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A Validation Specialist V'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 Validation Specialist V'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 |
|---|---|---|
| Validation Process Analyst III | 4-7 years | $94,614 |
| Validation Process Analyst IV | 7+ years | $112,366 |
| Validation Specialist V | 7-10 years | $138,713 |
| Validation Process Supervisor | 10+ years | $102,444 |
| Validation Process Manager | 10+ years | $126,783 |
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 Validation Specialist Vs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Validation Specialist V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $155,686. While startup companies pay approximate $131,835.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $131,835 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $139,387 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $150,378 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $155,686 |
For Validation Specialist V roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 54% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Validation Specialist positions in Transportation or Edu., Gov't. & Nonprofit typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Validation Specialist V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $180,336 | $87.0 | 30% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $172,013 | $83.0 | 24% |
| Biotechnology | $163,690 | $79.0 | 18% |
| Energy & Utilities | $155,366 | $75.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $149,818 | $72.0 | 8% |
Understanding how a Validation Specialist V'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, 2026
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Validation Specialist V roles, with salaries approximately 30% above the market median.
A Validation Specialist ensures that products and processes meet regulatory standards and quality requirements. They conduct tests, analyze data, and document results to validate systems and equipment. The salary for this role ranges from $159,550 to $191,570, with a midpoint of $175,200, reflecting the expertise and responsibility involved in maintaining compliance and quality assurance.
The salary for a Senior QA Validation Specialist ranges from $159,550 to $191,570, with a mid-point salary of $175,200. This translates to approximately $13,295 per month, $3,069 per week, or $76.73 per hour, reflecting the competitive compensation in this field.
The highest salary for a Validation Specialist is $191,570, with a minimum salary of $159,550 and a mid-range salary of $175,200. This reflects a more competitive compensation structure compared to typical QA Engineer salaries, which range from $79,000 to $128,000 annually.
The entry-level salary for a Validation Specialist ranges from $159,550 to $175,200 per year, with a midpoint average of $175,200. This reflects the competitive compensation in the field, ensuring that professionals are rewarded for their expertise and contributions.
The estimated total pay for a Validation Specialist ranges from $159,550 to $191,570 per year, with a mid-salary of $175,200. This reflects the competitive compensation for professionals in quality validation roles.
Validation involves recognizing and affirming another person's feelings, thoughts, and behaviors, understanding their underlying causes without necessarily agreeing. This skill is crucial in various roles, including Validation Specialists, who earn between $159,550 and $191,570, with a median salary of $175,200, reflecting the importance of effective communication and empathy in professional settings.
Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.
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