As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Analyst in the United States is $72,838 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Quality Analyst's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Quality Analyst'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 Quality Analyst'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 Quality Analyst | $72,456 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Analyst | $92,984 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Analyst | $112,728 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Analyst | $130,183 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Analyst | $152,274 |
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 Quality Analysts. 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
|
$75,752 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$75,024 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$75,024 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$75,024 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$75,024 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$74,295 |
2%
|
For Software Quality Analyst roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Analyst positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Analyst as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $109,258 | $53.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $91,048 | $44.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $87,406 | $42.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $83,764 | $40.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $80,122 | $39.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Quality Analysts 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 Quality Analyst with a No Diploma is between $62,150 and $66,214).
Software Quality Analyst 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 Quality Analyst'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 Software Quality Analyst can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $69,791 in 2023 to around $68,883 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Analyst salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $69,791 |
| 2024 | $69,466 |
| 2025 | $68,883 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Software & Networking industry offers the highest average compensation for Software Quality Analyst roles, with salaries approximately 50% above the market median.
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