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Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salary in the United States

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

As of October 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI in the United States is $176,687 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $85.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $216,996
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $165,145 to $197,786
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $154,637
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Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI'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 VI Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI'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 IV (7+ years): $131,462
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer V (7-10 years): $153,809
  • Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI (10-12 years): $176,687
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (12+ years): $120,592
  • Software Quality Assurance Manager (12+ years): $137,636
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV7+ years$131,462
Software Quality Assurance Engineer V7-10 years$153,809
Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI10-12 years$176,687
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor12+ years$120,592
Software Quality Assurance Manager12+ years$137,636
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How Do Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Software Quality Assurance Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $195,628.
  • California: $194,886.
  • Massachusetts: $192,288.

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VIs

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: $222,855
  • San Francisco: $220,415
  • Oakland: $215,770

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

Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $197,253. While startup companies pay approximate $167,023.

Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $167,023
Growth Stage 51~500 $176,606
Established 501~5000 $190,463
Enterprise 5000+ $197,253

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

For Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 45% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Transportation and Telecom sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Engineer positions in Aerospace & Defense or Biotechnology typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Transportation$220,859$106.025%
Telecom$201,423$97.014%
Software & Networking$197,889$95.012%
Retail & Wholesale$194,356$93.010%
Pharmaceuticals$190,822$92.08%

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

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI'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 October 01, 2026
$165,145
Average $176,687/year
$197,786
$13,762
Average $14,724/month
$16,482
$3,176
Average $3,398/week
$3,804
$79
Average $85/hour
$95
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $197,786 $16,482 $3,804 $95
Average $176,687 $14,724 $3,398 $85
25th Percentile $165,145 $13,762 $3,176 $79

Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI

Next Role

Advancement

For a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Supervisor role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $120,592 - a projected growth of -32% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI

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

Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI

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

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI

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

A Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI'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 VI earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI is $222,855.

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

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI is $216,996.

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

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI is $154,637.

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

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. Typically requires 12+ years of related experience. Achievement and depth of knowledge of specialization or field is the main differentiator. Advisory role on complex and challenging projects and initiatives. Recognized for deep technical and industry knowledge and innovative thinking. Provides thought leadership and guidance to a functional area and the organization.

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

The Transportation industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI roles, with salaries approximately 25% 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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