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Software Quality Assurance Tester III Salary in the United States

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

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Tester III in the United States is $64,704 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $31.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $75,137
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $58,859 to $70,165
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $53,537
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 III Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Tester III'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 III Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Tester III'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 III 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 IIIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $71,640.
  • California: $71,369.
  • Massachusetts: $70,417.

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Tester IIIs

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: $81,611
  • San Francisco: $80,718
  • Oakland: $79,017

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.17% Job Postings): Analysis is the process of considering something carefully or using statistical methods in order to understand it or explain it.
  • SQL (Mentioned in 3.54% Job Postings): Structured Query Language) is a domain-specific language used in programming and designed for managing data held in a relational database management system (RDBMS), or for stream processing in a relational data stream management system (RDSMS).
  • Java (Mentioned in 1.95% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.17%
SQL 3.54%
Java 1.95%
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 III's salary.

  • Process Improvement: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
  • Commitment: Can increase your salary by up to 14%.
  • Agile Development: Can increase your salary by up to 12%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Process Improvement $76,351
18%
Commitment $73,763
14%
Agile Development $72,468
12%
Get Latest Data

Software Quality Assurance Tester III Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise

Software Quality Assurance Tester III salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $72,309. While startup companies pay approximate $61,166.

Software Quality Assurance Tester III Salary by Company Size

Company Size Employees Average Salary
Startup 1~50 $61,166
Growth Stage 51~500 $64,690
Established 501~5000 $69,824
Enterprise 5000+ $72,309

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

For Software Quality Assurance Tester III roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 90% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Pharmaceuticals and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 45% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Tester positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Tester III as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Tester III

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Pharmaceuticals$93,821$45.045%
Energy & Utilities$90,586$44.040%
MFG Durable$87,350$42.035%
Construction$84,115$40.030%
Internet$80,880$39.025%

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

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Tester III'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
$58,859
Average $64,704/year
$70,165
$4,905
Average $5,392/month
$5,847
$1,132
Average $1,244/week
$1,349
$28
Average $31/hour
$34
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $70,165 $5,847 $1,349 $34
Average $64,704 $5,392 $1,244 $31
25th Percentile $58,859 $4,905 $1,132 $28

Software Quality Assurance Tester III Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Quality Assurance Tester III

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Advancement

For a Software Quality Assurance Tester III, the most direct path to higher earnings is advancing to the Software Quality Assurance Tester IV role. This promotion typically comes with a significant pay increase, bringing the average annual salary to $72,707 - a projected growth of 12% over your current level.

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Tester III

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

Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Tester III

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

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Tester III

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

A Software Quality Assurance Tester III'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 III earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Tester III is $81,611.

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

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester III is $75,137.

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

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester III is $53,537.

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

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 independently within established procedures associated with the specific job function. Has gained proficiency in multiple competencies relevant to the job. Typically requires 3-5 years of related experience.

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

The Pharmaceuticals industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Tester III roles, with salaries approximately 45% 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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