As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Engineer I in the United States is $75,707 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Quality Assurance Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Assurance 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 Quality Assurance 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Quality Assurance Engineer I | 0-2 years | $75,707 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer II | 2-4 years | $89,098 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer III | 4-7 years | $100,774 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,277 |
| Quality Assurance Engineer V | 7-10 years | $150,341 |
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 Quality Assurance Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.09% |
| Software Development | 2.91% |
| Scrum | 2.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scrum
|
$99,176 |
31%
|
|
Software Testing
|
$92,363 |
22%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$89,334 |
18%
|
|
Agile
|
$86,306 |
14%
|
|
Linux
|
$85,549 |
13%
|
|
QA Automation
|
$84,792 |
12%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Quality Assurance Engineer Is 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 Quality Assurance Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $71,485 and $75,711).
Quality Assurance Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 8.8% |
| Associates | 8.8% |
| Bachelors | 59.6% |
| Masters | 21.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a Quality Assurance 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026For a Quality Assurance Engineer I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Quality Assurance Engineer II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $89,098 - a projected growth of 18% over your current level.
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Quality Assurance Engineer I and their salaries, click below for more details.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Quality Assurance Engineer I job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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A Quality Assurance Engineer I's earning potential can vary widely depending on several factors, including location, industry, experience, education, and the specific employer. According to the latest salary data by Salary.com, a Quality Assurance Engineer I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Quality Assurance Engineer I is $95,489.
The highest pay for Quality Assurance Engineer I is $86,341.
The lowest pay for Quality Assurance Engineer I is $63,111.
Performs inspections and sets quality assurance testing models for analysis of raw materials, materials in process, and finished products. Assists in developing quality control policies and evaluates production limitations. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a supervisor or manager. Typically requires 0-2 years of related experience. Works on projects/matters of limited complexity in a support role. Work is closely managed.
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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