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Software Quality Assurance Engineer V Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V in the United States is $153,788 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $74.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $195,132
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $141,152 to $175,429
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $129,648

Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Engineer V Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer 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.

How Experience Level Affects Software Quality Assurance Engineer V Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer 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:

  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer III (4-7 years): $113,831
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV (7+ years): $131,460
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,788
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI (10-12 years): $176,668
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (12+ years): $120,596
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer III4-7 years$113,831
Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV7+ years$131,460
Software Quality Assurance Engineer V7-10 years$153,788
Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI10-12 years$176,668
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor12+ years$120,596

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Engineer Vs

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: $193,973
  • San Francisco: $191,849
  • Oakland: $187,806

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

Software Quality Assurance Engineer V salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $171,864. While startup companies pay approximate $145,380.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer V Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $145,380
Growth Stage 51~500 $153,754
Established 501~5000 $165,957
Enterprise 5000+ $171,864

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

For Software Quality Assurance Engineer V 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 Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Engineer positions in Telecom or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Engineer V as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$184,546$89.020%
Pharmaceuticals$179,932$87.017%
Internet$176,856$85.015%
Aerospace & Defense$172,243$83.012%
Energy & Utilities$169,167$81.010%

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

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Engineer 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 September 01, 2026
$141,152
Average $153,788/year
$175,429
$11,763
Average $12,816/month
$14,619
$2,714
Average $2,957/week
$3,374
$68
Average $74/hour
$84
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $175,429 $14,619 $3,374 $84
Average $153,788 $12,816 $2,957 $74
25th Percentile $141,152 $11,763 $2,714 $68

Software Quality Assurance Engineer V Salary Growth & Career Path

For a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $176,668 - a projected growth of 15% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V

  • Social Security
  • 401 (k)
  • Disability
  • Healthcare
  • Pension
  • Time Off (days)

Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V

Here are companies hiring for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V and their salaries, click below for more details.

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Engineer V

1. Where can a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V earn the most?

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer V'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 Software Quality Assurance Engineer V earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer V is $193,973.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V?

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V is $195,132.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V?

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V is $129,648.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Quality Assurance Engineer V?

Utilizes various testing procedures to ensure that software meets user requirements and established performance, functionality, and quality standards before release. Analyzes software requirements and technical specifications to identify proper testing methods and define acceptance criteria. Prepares data sets and edge cases to test logic, error handling, and system workflows to ensure reliability. Isolates, reproduces, and tracks defects. Documents testing objectives, scope, methods, and results according to required procedures. Performs functional, regression, security, and usability testing. Requires a bachelor's degree. Typically reports to a manager. Works autonomously. Goals are generally communicated in "solution" or project goal terms. May provide a leadership role for the work group through knowledge in the area of specialization. Works on advanced, complex technical projects or business issues requiring state of the art technical or industry knowledge. Typically requires 10+ years of related experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V?

The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Engineer V roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.

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.)

With the most extensive online, real-time compensation data available, Salary.com helps you pinpoint your exact pay target.

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