As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Sqa Engineer in Applegate, CA is $117,425 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $56.
However, a Sqa Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Sqa Engineer'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Sqa Engineer'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 Sqa Engineer | $76,752 |
| Software ... Level Sqa Engineer | $98,497 |
| Sqa Engin... Level Sqa Engineer | $119,411 |
| Software ... Level Sqa Engineer | $137,901 |
| Software ... Level Sqa Engineer | $161,303 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 2.96% |
| Test Scripts | 3.27% |
| Manual Testing | 2.25% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$122,122 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$120,948 |
3%
|
|
Prioritization
|
$120,948 |
3%
|
|
Teamwork
|
$119,774 |
2%
|
|
Leadership
|
$119,774 |
2%
|
|
Integrity
|
$118,599 |
1%
|
For Sqa Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Business Services sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, Sqa Engineer positions in Transportation or Software & Networking typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Sqa Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $129,168 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $129,168 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Construction | $129,168 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $129,168 | $62.0 | 10% |
| Healthcare | $129,168 | $62.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Sqa Engineer'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 August 01, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Sqa Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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