As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA Engineer I in the United States is $75,044 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a QA Engineer I's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QA Engineer I'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 QA Engineer I'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 |
|---|---|
| QA Engine... Level QA Engineer I | $74,635 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer I | $87,844 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer I | $99,356 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer I | $123,573 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer I | $148,262 |
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 QA Engineer Is. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.09% |
| Software Development | 2.91% |
| Scrum | 2.02% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Scrum
|
$98,308 |
31%
|
|
Software Testing
|
$91,554 |
22%
|
|
Jenkins
|
$88,552 |
18%
|
|
Agile
|
$85,550 |
14%
|
|
Linux
|
$84,800 |
13%
|
|
QA Automation
|
$84,050 |
12%
|
For QA Engineer I roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, QA Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA Engineer I as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $90,053 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $90,053 | $43.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $86,301 | $41.0 | 15% |
| Energy & Utilities | $82,549 | $40.0 | 10% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $78,796 | $38.0 | 5% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QA Engineer Is enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree 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 QA Engineer I with a Bachelor's Degree is between $71,485 and $75,711).
QA Engineer I Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 8.8% |
| Associates | 8.8% |
| Bachelors | 59.6% |
| Masters | 21.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a QA Engineer I'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, 2026Salaries for a QA Engineer I can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $65,248 in 2023 to around $65,511 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QA Engineer I salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $65,248 |
| 2024 | $65,607 |
| 2025 | $65,511 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for QA Engineer I roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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.)
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