As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI in Iowa is $169,037 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $81.
However, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $187,871 | $15,656 | $3,613 | $90 |
| Average | $169,037 | $14,086 | $3,251 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,866 | $13,239 | $3,055 | $76 |
Cape Fear Public Utility Authority - WILMINGTON, NC
Exxel Pacific - LACEY, WA
Midland States Bank - THE GAP, IL
Midland States Bank - MARYLAND HEIGHTS, MO
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.
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:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Software Quality Assurance Engineer IV | 7+ years | $125,803 |
| Software Quality Assurance Engineer V | 7-10 years | $147,133 |
| Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI | 10-12 years | $169,037 |
| Software Quality Assurance Supervisor | 12+ years | $115,417 |
| Software Quality Assurance Manager | 12+ years | $131,722 |
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 Software Quality Assurance Engineer VIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
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 $189,066. While startup companies pay approximate $159,894.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $159,894 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $169,112 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $182,580 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $189,066 |
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.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Transportation | $211,296 | $102.0 | 25% |
| Telecom | $192,702 | $93.0 | 14% |
| Software & Networking | $189,321 | $91.0 | 12% |
| Retail & Wholesale | $185,941 | $89.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $182,560 | $88.0 | 8% |
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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $187,871 | $15,656 | $3,613 | $90 |
| Average | $169,037 | $14,086 | $3,251 | $81 |
| 25th Percentile | $158,866 | $13,239 | $3,055 | $76 |
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 $115,417 - a projected growth of -32% over your current level.
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Quality Assurance Engineer VI job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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