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 July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV in the United States is $72,705 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): $81,568
Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $70,033 to $77,344
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): $54,231
Software Quality Assurance Tester III (3-5 years): $64,695
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV (5-7 years): $72,705
How Do Software Quality Assurance Tester IV 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 IVs.
For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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: $91,703
San Francisco: $90,699
Oakland: $88,787
San Jose, CA$91,703
San Francisco, CA$90,699
Oakland, CA$88,787
New York, NY$83,712
Paramus, NJ$82,694
Queens Village, NY$82,690
Passaic, NJ$82,621
Bergenfield, NJ$82,615
Stamford, CT$82,455
Huntington, NY$82,425
Newark, NJ$81,888
Bridgeport, CT$81,734
Vallejo, CA$81,590
New Brunswick, NJ$81,560
Petaluma, CA$81,517
Middlesex, NJ$81,379
Somerset, NJ$81,328
Santa Cruz, CA$81,233
Boston, MA$80,790
Monterey, CA$80,535
Seattle, WA$80,368
Santa Rosa, CA$80,354
Los Angeles, CA$80,332
Juneau, AK$80,143
Washington, DC$80,063
Orange, CA$79,804
Santa Ana, CA$79,612
Long Beach, CA$79,539
Anaheim, CA$79,525
Anchorage, AK$79,488
Santa Maria, CA$79,270
Everett, WA$79,256
Danbury, CT$79,000
Bremerton, WA$78,899
Tacoma, WA$78,638
New Suffolk, NY$78,636
Sacramento, CA$78,616
Santa Barbara, CA$78,536
Trenton, NJ$78,456
San Diego, CA$78,456
Brockton, MA$78,376
Fairbanks, AK$78,198
Lompoc, CA$78,012
Lowell, MA$77,954
Ventura, CA$77,940
Nashua, NH$77,925
Stockton, CA$77,918
Modesto, CA$77,387
Poughkeepsie, NY$77,227
Olympia, WA$77,089
Kennewick, WA$77,089
New Haven, CT$77,060
Lawrence, MA$76,798
Hartford, CT$76,726
Riverside, CA$76,711
New Bedford, MA$76,638
Richland, WA$76,638
Bakersfield, CA$76,537
San Bernardino, CA$76,507
New Britain, CT$76,500
Atlantic City, NJ$76,500
New London, CT$76,471
Norwich, CT$76,449
Portsmouth, NH$76,435
Boulder, CO$76,281
Portland, OR$76,180
Worcester, MA$76,173
Minneapolis, MN$75,948
Philadelphia, PA$75,846
Honolulu, HI$75,606
Saint Paul, MN$75,571
Vineland, NJ$75,555
Providence, RI$75,344
Chicago, IL$75,133
Bellingham, WA$75,046
Springfield, MA$74,988
Baltimore, MD$74,966
Chico, CA$74,784
Pittsfield, MA$74,588
Manchester, NH$74,450
Spokane, WA$74,130
Denver, CO$74,123
Albany, NY$73,781
Troy, NY$73,752
Nassau, NY$73,674
Schenectady, NY$73,599
Wilmington, DE$73,541
Burlington, VT$73,439
Salem, OR$73,410
Portland, ME$73,185
Yakima, WA$73,112
Rochester, MN$72,887
Reno, NV$72,850
Fresno, CA$72,850
Milwaukee, WI$72,785
Detroit, MI$72,712
Ann Arbor, MI$72,700
Allentown, PA$72,690
Colorado Springs, CO$72,567
Syracuse, NY$72,531
Carson City, NV$72,531
Houston, TX$72,429
Eugene, OR$72,392
Gary, IN$72,305
Springfield, OR$72,247
Bismarck, ND$72,232
Galveston, TX$72,182
Medford, OR$72,072
Fort Collins, CO$72,043
Concord, NH$72,007
Austin, TX$71,985
Mesa, AZ$71,833
Reading, PA$71,825
Phoenix, AZ$71,818
Dallas, TX$71,796
Saint Cloud, MN$71,726
Madison, WI$71,629
Utica, NY$71,433
Rochester, NY$71,316
Des Moines, IA$71,309
Raleigh, NC$71,302
Atlanta, GA$71,193
Battle Creek, MI$71,171
Salt Lake City, UT$71,149
Lancaster, PA$71,040
Harrisburg, PA$70,938
Kansas City, MO$70,866
Champaign, IL$70,851
Kansas City, KS$70,851
Fort Worth, TX$70,844
Columbus, OH$70,831
Boca Raton, FL$70,815
Pittsburgh, PA$70,786
Richmond, VA$70,757
Indianapolis, IN$70,742
Cleveland, OH$70,735
Las Vegas, NV$70,647
Cincinnati, OH$70,647
Petersburg, VA$70,538
Huntsville, AL$70,429
Lansing, MI$70,381
Lebanon, PA$70,371
Pueblo, CO$70,364
Appleton, WI$70,342
Buffalo, NY$70,313
Dayton, OH$70,291
Racine, WI$70,277
Charlotte, NC$70,269
Saint Louis, MO$70,248
York, PA$70,204
Elkhart, IN$70,204
Gastonia, NC$70,190
Billings, MT$70,173
Beaumont, TX$70,153
Lorain, OH$70,139
Benton Harbor, MI$70,124
Toledo, OH$70,109
Binghamton, NY$70,073
Rock Hill, SC$70,066
Rockford, IL$70,029
Springfield, IL$70,000
Elyria, OH$69,993
Fargo, ND$69,993
Flagstaff, AZ$69,942
Fort Lauderdale, FL$69,899
Duluth, MN$69,855
Miami, FL$69,855
Cheyenne, WY$69,804
Grand Forks, ND$69,804
Bangor, ME$69,644
Cedar Rapids, IA$69,564
Durham, NC$69,534
Louisville, KY$69,528
Grand Rapids, MI$69,513
Hialeah, FL$69,506
Casper, WY$69,404
Scranton, PA$69,317
New Orleans, LA$69,295
Virginia Beach, VA$69,288
Akron, OH$69,252
Peoria, IL$69,157
Sarasota, FL$69,142
Nashville, TN$69,092
Omaha, NE$69,092
Green Bay, WI$69,092
Baton Rouge, LA$69,055
Charleston, SC$69,041
Jamestown, NY$69,004
Davenport, IA$69,004
Tucson, AZ$68,968
Saint Petersburg, FL$68,924
Tampa, FL$68,910
Evansville, IN$68,866
Port Arthur, TX$68,866
Bradenton, FL$68,837
Santa Fe, NM$68,706
Orlando, FL$68,575
Clearwater, FL$68,554
Canton, OH$68,401
La Crosse, WI$68,401
Albuquerque, NM$68,357
Newport News, VA$68,350
High Point, NC$68,328
Ogden, UT$68,299
Corpus Christi, TX$68,241
Norfolk, VA$68,197
Laramie, WY$68,197
Rock Island, IL$68,154
Saginaw, MI$68,139
Jacksonville, FL$68,132
Salisbury, NC$68,117
Boise, ID$68,103
Moline, IL$68,066
Fort Myers, FL$68,045
Memphis, TN$68,030
Tulsa, OK$67,994
Waterloo, IA$67,950
Spartanburg, SC$67,877
Lincoln, NE$67,841
Fort Wayne, IN$67,826
Provo, UT$67,819
Cedar Falls, IA$67,732
San Antonio, TX$67,703
Greensboro, NC$67,674
South Bend, IN$67,667
Savannah, GA$67,587
Muskegon, MI$67,557
Birmingham, AL$67,550
Winston Salem, NC$67,515
Lake Charles, LA$67,339
Anderson, IN$67,325
Lexington, KY$67,303
Augusta, GA$67,281
Greenville, SC$67,281
Lima, OH$67,223
Wichita, KS$67,216
Tuscaloosa, AL$67,216
Columbia, SC$67,150
Springfield, OH$67,136
Asheville, NC$67,019
Bloomington, IN$66,969
Knoxville, TN$66,707
Shreveport, LA$66,700
Wilmington, NC$66,605
Roanoke, VA$66,605
Topeka, KS$66,474
Frankfort, KY$66,466
Oklahoma City, OK$66,416
Chillicothe, OH$66,387
Longview, TX$66,380
Melbourne, FL$66,372
Sioux Falls, SD$66,256
Mobile, AL$66,249
Terre Haute, IN$66,220
Altoona, PA$66,176
Amarillo, TX$66,125
Killeen, TX$66,103
Fayetteville, AR$66,045
Chattanooga, TN$66,023
Sioux City, IA$65,958
Idaho Falls, ID$65,943
Lynchburg, VA$65,885
Gainesville, FL$65,791
Portsmouth, OH$65,754
Little Rock, AR$65,740
Lafayette, LA$65,711
Youngstown, OH$65,711
Daytona Beach, FL$65,667
Clarksville, TN$65,660
Pensacola, FL$65,653
Temple, TX$65,648
Hopkinsville, KY$65,435
Erie, PA$65,420
Florence, SC$65,391
Charleston, WV$65,275
Great Falls, MT$65,238
Macon, GA$65,136
Tallahassee, FL$65,129
Fayetteville, NC$65,115
Waco, TX$65,100
Helena, MT$65,049
Pine Bluff, AR$65,022
Vincennes, IN$64,933
Lubbock, TX$64,904
Alamogordo, NM$64,860
Twin Falls, ID$64,795
Rapid City, SD$64,773
Jackson, MS$64,642
Huntington, WV$64,637
Greenville, MS$64,635
Parkersburg, WV$64,561
Montgomery, AL$64,547
Wichita Falls, TX$64,475
Springfield, MO$64,475
Biloxi, MS$64,438
Monroe, LA$64,366
Johnstown, PA$64,315
Sumter, SC$64,286
Columbus, GA$64,278
Pascagoula, MS$64,140
Abilene, TX$64,140
Kingsport, TN$63,951
Albany, GA$63,951
Gulfport, MS$63,930
Alexandria, LA$63,690
Fort Smith, AR$63,508
El Paso, TX$63,312
Las Cruces, NM$62,984
Harlingen, TX$62,800
Pocatello, ID$62,788
Florence, AL$62,694
Brownsville, TX$62,679
Mcallen, TX$62,526
Dothan, AL$62,425
Columbus, MS$61,993
Altus, OK$61,654
Lawton, OK$61,516
Pierre, SD$61,254
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
$93,062
28%
Test Plans
$90,154
24%
Manual Testing
$85,792
18%
Agile
$83,611
15%
C#
$83,611
15%
Software Quality Assurance
$83,611
15%
Get Latest Data
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary by Company Size: Startups vs. Enterprise
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV salary potential scales significantly with company size.
Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $81,320.
While startup companies pay approximate $68,772.
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary by Company Size
Company Size
Employees
Average Salary
Startup
1~50
$68,772
Growth Stage
51~500
$72,738
Established
501~5000
$78,530
Enterprise
5000+
$81,320
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors
For Software Quality Assurance Tester IV roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential
by as much as 73% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries).
Data shows that the Financial Services and Biotechnology
sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average.
In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Tester positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay,
as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Tester IV as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
The top paying industries for a Software Quality Assurance Tester IV
Industry Sector
Average Annual Salary
Average Hourly Rate
Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services
$94,516
$45.0
30%
Biotechnology
$90,881
$44.0
25%
Energy & Utilities
$87,246
$42.0
20%
Pharmaceuticals
$87,246
$42.0
20%
Healthcare
$83,611
$40.0
15%
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 July 01, 2026
$70,033
Average$72,705/year
$77,344
$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
$77,344
$6,445
$1,487
$37
Average
$72,705
$6,059
$1,398
$35
25th Percentile
$70,033
$5,836
$1,347
$34
Software Quality Assurance Tester IV Salary Growth & Career Path
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
$120,603 - 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)
For Employers
If your compensation planning software is too rigid to deploy winning incentive strategies, it’s time to find an adaptable solution.
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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.
C
$128,509/per year
C R Bard Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
H
$124,697/per year
Henry Schein Canada
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$123,899/per year
Nordex Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$120,416/per year
Nipro Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$115,870/per year
Enovis
Biotechnology
the United States
A
$114,553/per year
Advanced Research Projects Agency - Energy
Biotechnology
the United States
M
$112,110/per year
MiniMed Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$111,500/per year
Labcorp Drug Development
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$110,229/per year
Life Technologies Corp
Biotechnology
the United States
Z
$106,224/per year
Zimmer Biomet
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$103,077/per year
Promontory Therapeutics
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$102,181/per year
Steris PLC
Biotechnology
the United States
G
$97,274/per year
Gavin Conferences Pty Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$94,764/per year
Endeavor BioMedicines
Biotechnology
the United States
R
$94,402/per year
Replay Holdings LLC
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$94,235/per year
Pleno Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$93,666/per year
Simulaids Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
N
$88,880/per year
NOIRLab/CAS
Biotechnology
the United States
O
$86,468/per year
Onward Technology
Biotechnology
the United States
L
$84,895/per year
LED Medical Diagnostics Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
E
$84,682/per year
Eyeco Ltd
Biotechnology
the United States
P
$84,523/per year
Paerosol
Biotechnology
the United States
I
$83,525/per year
IONIQ Sciences Inc
Biotechnology
the United States
S
$82,815/per year
Stateside PPE
Biotechnology
the United States
D
$82,041/per year
Digi Bio
Biotechnology
the United States
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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 $91,703.
2. What is the highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV?
The highest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV is $81,568.
3. What is the lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV?
The lowest pay for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV is $67,600.
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.
5. What industry pays the highest salary for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV?
The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Assurance Tester IV roles,
with salaries approximately 30% 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.
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