As of March 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Qa in the United States is $72,025 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Qa's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Qa'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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Qa'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:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Qa | $73,205 |
| Software ... Level Software Qa | $93,966 |
| Software ... Level Software Qa | $113,926 |
| Software ... Level Software Qa | $131,553 |
| Software ... Level Software Qa | $153,781 |
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 Qas. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.71% |
| Test Automation | 3.05% |
| Automated Testing | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Java
|
$74,906 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$74,186 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$74,186 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$74,186 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$74,186 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$73,466 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Qas enter the field with a No Diploma degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a Software Qa with a No Diploma is between $62,150 and $66,214).
Software Qa Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 3.0% |
| High School | 5.2% |
| Associates | 11.2% |
| Bachelors | 56.7% |
| Masters | 23.9% |
| Doctorate | 0.0% |
Understanding how a Software Qa'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 March 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Qa can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,531 in 2023 to around $69,614 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Qa salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,531 |
| 2024 | $70,202 |
| 2025 | $69,614 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for Software Qa and their salaries, click below for more details.
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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