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Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary in the United States

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

As of May 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV in the United States is $72,704 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.

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

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $81,561
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,034 to $77,340
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $67,603
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View as table View as graph 25% $70,034 10% $67,603 90% $81,561 75% $77,340 $72,704 50%(Median) Didn’t find job title? Click

Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salaries by Percentile

Annual
Salary		 Monthly
Pay		 Weekly
Pay		 Hourly
Wage
75th Percentile $77,340 $6,445 $1,487 $37
Average $72,704 $6,059 $1,398 $35
25th Percentile $70,034 $5,836 $1,347 $34
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Key Factors That Influence Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salaries

A Software Quality Assurance Tester IV'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 Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV'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 II (1-3 years): $54,216
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester III (3-5 years): $64,686
  • Software Quality Assurance Tester IV (5-7 years): $72,704
  • Software Quality Assurance Supervisor (7+ years): $120,611
  • Software Quality Assurance Manager (7+ years): $137,644
Job Role Years of Experience Average Salary
Software Quality Assurance Tester II1-3 years$54,216
Software Quality Assurance Tester III3-5 years$64,686
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV5-7 years$72,704
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor7+ years$120,611
Software Quality Assurance Manager7+ years$137,644
$54,216 Software ...
$64,686 Software ...
$72,704 Software ...
$120,611 Software ...
$137,644 Software ...
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What Am I Worth?

Top Paying Cities for Software Quality Assurance Tester IVs

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: $91,702
  • San Francisco: $90,698
  • Oakland: $88,786

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

Demanded Skills for the Role:

  • Analysis (Mentioned in 4.16% 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 3.53% 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 1.92% Job Postings): Using Java in the development and maintenance of application programs and systems.
See More Skills
Skills Demand Percentage
Analysis 4.16%
SQL 3.53%
Java 1.92%
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 IV's salary.
  • Test Scripts: Can increase your salary by up to 28%.
  • Test Plans: Can increase your salary by up to 24%.
  • Manual Testing: Can increase your salary by up to 18%.
Skill Salary Salary % Increase
Test Scripts
 $93,061
28%
Test Plans
 $90,153
24%
Manual Testing
 $85,791
18%
Agile
 $83,610
15%
C#
 $83,610
15%
Software Quality Assurance
 $83,610
15%
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Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV'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.

  • Hourly
  • Monthly
  • Weekly
  • Yearly
  • Table View
Last Updated on May 01, 2026
$70,034
Average $72,704/year
$77,340
$5,836
Average $6,059/month
$6,445
$1,347
Average $1,398/week
$1,487
$34
Average $35/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $77,340 $6,445 $1,487 $37
Average $72,704 $6,059 $1,398 $35
25th Percentile $70,034 $5,836 $1,347 $34

Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary Growth & Career Path

Software Quality Assurance Tester IV
Software Quality Assurance Supervisor
Software Quality Assurance Manager

For a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV, 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 $120,611 - a projected growth of 66% over your current level.

Salaries of jobs related to Software Quality Assurance Tester IV

Salary Trends for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV

Salaries for a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $70,446 in 2023 to around $70,642 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Assurance Tester IV salary trends, .

Average Annual Salary of Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Over Time

2022
$???
2023
$70,446
2024
$70,900
2025
$70,642
2026
$???
2027
$???
Year Average Annual Salary
2022
View More
2023 $70,446
2024 $70,900
2025 $70,642
2026
View More
2027
View More

Most common benefits for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV

Social Security
401(k)
Disability
Healthcare
Pension
Time Off (days)
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Common company salaries for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV

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

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Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Quality Assurance Tester IV job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.

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FAQ about Software Quality Assurance Tester IV

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

A Software Quality Assurance Tester IV'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 IV earns the most in San Jose, CA, where the annual salary of a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV is $91,702.

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

The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV is $81,561.

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

The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV is $67,603.

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

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. Independently performs a wide range of complex duties under general guidance from supervisors. Has gained full proficiency in a broad range of activities related to the job. Typically requires 5-7 years of related experience.

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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