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Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salary in California

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

As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV in California is $144,998 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $70.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $162,996
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $135,224 to $154,419
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $126,326

Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV'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 Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV'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 Quality Assurance Engineer II (2-4 years): $103,566
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer III (4-7 years): $125,557
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV (7+ years): $144,998
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer V (7-10 years): $169,604
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI (10-12 years): $194,844
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer II2-4 years$103,566
Software Quality Assurance Engineer III4-7 years$125,557
Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV7+ years$144,998
Software Quality Assurance Engineer V7-10 years$169,604
Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI10-12 years$194,844

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV

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:

  • Los Angeles: $145,248
  • West Hollywood: $145,143
  • Dodgertown: $145,247

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $162,317. While startup companies pay approximate $137,316.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $137,316
Growth Stage 51~500 $145,228
Established 501~5000 $156,746
Enterprise 5000+ $162,317

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Engineer positions in Media or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$157,750$76.020%
Energy & Utilities$151,177$73.015%
Biotechnology$147,233$71.012%
Aerospace & Defense$144,604$70.010%
Insurance$143,289$69.09%

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

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV'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
$135,224
Average $144,998/year
$154,419
$11,269
Average $12,083/month
$12,868
$2,600
Average $2,788/week
$2,970
$65
Average $70/hour
$74
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $154,419 $12,868 $2,970 $74
Average $144,998 $12,083 $2,788 $70
25th Percentile $135,224 $11,269 $2,600 $65

Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Engineer V role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $169,604 - a projected growth of 17% over your current level.

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