What are the main factors that influence a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III's salary?

The primary factors are: 1) Experience Level, 2) Geographic Location, 3) Education/Skills, 4) Company Size & Industry

How does experience change A Software Quality Assurance Engineer 's salary?

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer 's salary grows with experience: a Software Quality Assurance Engineer I (0-2 years)earns $80,680, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer II (2-4 years)earns $103,562, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III (4-7 years)earns $125,560, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV (7+ years)earns $144,987, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V (7-10 years)earns $169,485,

What are the highest paying states for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III?

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III salary varies significantly by state. The top 3 highest paying states for Software Quality Assurance Engineer III roles are District of Columbia $126,038, California $125,560, Massachusetts $123,887. These tech hubs typically pay 10-15% above the national average.

How much do different types of Software Quality Assurance Engineer roles make?

Salaries for Software Quality Assurance Engineer level roles vary by specialization: Software Quality Assurance Director: $191,185; Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI: $176,547; Software Quality Assurance Engineer V: $153,658; Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV: $131,448; Engineer III, Software Quality: $125,751.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salary in California (March 01, 2026)

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salary in California

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III make in California?

As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III in California is $125,560 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $60.

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

Top Earners (90th percentile): $138,435
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $116,212 to $132,299
Entry-Level (10th percentile): $107,701

Job Role	Years of Experience	Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer I	0-2 years	$80,680
Software Quality Assurance Engineer II	2-4 years	$103,562
Software Quality Assurance Engineer III	4-7 years	$125,560
Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV	7+ years	$144,987
Software Quality Assurance Engineer V	7-10 years	$169,485

Job Role

Years of Experience

Average Salary

Software Quality Assurance Engineer I

0-2 years

$80,680

Software Quality Assurance Engineer II

2-4 years

$103,562

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III

4-7 years

$125,560

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV

7+ years

$144,987

Software Quality Assurance Engineer V

7-10 years

$169,485

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance 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 March 01, 2026

$116,212

Average $125,560/year

$132,299

$9,684

Average $10,463/month

$11,025

$2,235

Average $2,415/week

$2,544

$56

Average $60/hour

$64

	Annual Salary	Monthly Pay	Weekly Pay	Hourly Wage
75th Percentile	$132,299	$11,025	$2,544	$64
Average	$125,560	$10,463	$2,415	$60
25th Percentile	$116,212	$9,684	$2,235	$56

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $144,987 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

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

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Learn about

Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salary in California

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Engineer III make in California?

Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salaries

How Experience Level Affects Software Quality Assurance Engineer Salaries?

How Do Software Quality Assurance Engineer III Salaries Vary from State to State?

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Engineer IIIs