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Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary in the United States

How much does a Software Quality Assurance Tester I make in the United States?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Tester I in the United States is $47,828 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $59,302
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $42,075 to $53,834
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $36,837
Salary Factors Salary-Boosting Skills Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Tester I'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 Tester I Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Tester I'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 Tester I (0-1 years): $47,828
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester II (1-3 years): $54,246
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester III (3-5 years): $64,704
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester IV (5-7 years): $72,707
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (7+ years): $120,596
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Tester I0-1 years$47,828
Software Quality Assurance Tester II1-3 years$54,246
Software Quality Assurance Tester III3-5 years$64,704
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV5-7 years$72,707
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor7+ years$120,596
View as Graph

How Do Software Quality Assurance Tester I 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 Tester Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $52,955.
  • California: $52,754.
  • Massachusetts: $52,051.

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Tester Is

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: $60,325
  • San Francisco: $59,665
  • Oakland: $58,408

What Skills Can Increase a Software Quality Assurance Tester I's Salary?

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 5.23% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • Computer Science (Mentioned in 3.9% Job Postings): Computer science is the study of computation, automation, and information. Computer science spans theoretical disciplines (such as algorithms, theory of computation, information theory, and automation) to practical disciplines.
  • Python (Mentioned in 2.13% Job Postings): Applying the concepts and algorithms of Python to design, develop and maintain software applications to comply with business requirements.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 5.23%
Computer Science 3.9%
Python 2.13%
See More Skills

What skills can make your compensation higher?

Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on a Software Quality Assurance Tester I's salary.

  • Debugging: Can increase your salary by up to 21%.
  • Android: Can increase your salary by up to 20%.
  • Time Management: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Debugging $57,872
21%
Android $57,394
20%
Time Management $56,437
18%
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Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Quality Assurance Tester I salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $53,450. While startup companies pay approximate $45,213.

Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $45,213
Growth Stage 51~500 $47,817
Established 501~5000 $51,613
Enterprise 5000+ $53,450

Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Software Quality Assurance Tester I 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 Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Tester positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Tester I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Tester I

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Healthcare$57,394$28.020%
Biotechnology$55,002$26.015%
Aerospace & Defense$52,611$25.010%
Business Services$52,611$25.010%
Insurance$52,611$25.010%

Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Tester I'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
$42,075
Average $47,828/year
$53,834
$3,506
Average $3,986/month
$4,486
$809
Average $920/week
$1,035
$20
Average $23/hour
$26
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $53,834 $4,486 $1,035 $26
Average $47,828 $3,986 $920 $23
25th Percentile $42,075 $3,506 $809 $20

Software Quality Assurance Tester I Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Quality Assurance Tester I

Next Role

Advancement

For a Software Quality Assurance Tester I, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Tester II role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $54,246 - a projected growth of 13% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Tester I

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

Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Tester I

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

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Tester I

1. Where can a Software Quality Assurance Tester I earn the most?

A Software Quality Assurance Tester I'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 Tester I earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Tester I is $60,325.

2. What is the highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester I?

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester I is $59,302.

3. What is the lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester I?

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester I is $36,837.

4. What are the responsibilities of Software Quality Assurance Tester I?

Manually tests features of new software releases using pre-defined test plans and cases to identify defects, bugs, and usability issues. Utilizes standardized testing procedures to ensure consistent and accurate diagnosis. Executes tests on a variety of devices, browsers, and operating systems to ensure optimal user experience and functionality across platforms. Documents test results and uses designated systems and tools to track and report outcomes. Performs follow-up rounds of testing as needed to ensure defects are resolved. Requires an associate degree. Typically reports to a supervisor. Works under the close direction of senior personnel in the functional area. Possesses a moderate understanding of general aspects of the job. May require 0-1 year of general work experience.

5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Quality Assurance Tester I?

The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Tester I 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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