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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer in California is $104,921 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software Quality Assurance Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $113,481 | $9,457 | $2,182 | $55 |
| Average | $104,921 | $8,743 | $2,018 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,765 | $7,980 | $1,842 | $46 |
Eliassen Group - San Diego, CA
H1b Lca - San Francisco, CA
TP-Link Systems Inc. - Irvine, CA
California ISO - Folsom, CA
A Software Quality Assurance 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance 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 Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $81,267 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $104,291 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $126,436 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $146,013 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $170,791 |
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 Assurance Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For Software Quality Assurance Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 60% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Healthcare and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance Engineer positions in Hospitality & Leisure or Financial Services typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $136,397 | $66.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $131,151 | $63.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $125,905 | $61.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $120,659 | $58.0 | 15% |
| MFG Nondurable | $117,511 | $56.0 | 12% |
Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance 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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $113,481 | $9,457 | $2,182 | $55 |
| Average | $104,921 | $8,743 | $2,018 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,765 | $7,980 | $1,842 | $46 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Quality Assurance Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
California ISO
Folsom, CA
California ISO | Folsom, CA
Job DescriptionPRIMARY PURPOSE :Under the general direction of the Manager, applies test engineering and product knowledge in the design of tests and testi... more
10 Days Ago
Danaher
Sunnyvale, CA
Danaher | Sunnyvale, CA
This job is with Danaher, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not cont... more
7 Days Ago
Pointwest Technologies Corp
Los Angeles, CA
Pointwest Technologies Corp | Los Angeles, CA
Job Description. Job Description. We are seeking a highly skilled Senior QA Tester / Software Engineer who will lead quality assurance. initiatives across ... more
8 Days Ago
Turion Space
Irvine, CA
Turion Space | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Turion Space is seeking a. Senior Quality Assurance Engineer. to join our growing team in Irvine, CA. You'll be joining o... more
8 Days Ago
System One
Irvine, CA
System One | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. Job Title. Senior Quality Assurance Engineer. Location. Irvine, CA. Type. Contract. Compensation. $65-73/hr. Work Model. ... more
9 Days Ago
TP-Link Systems Inc.
Irvine, CA
TP-Link Systems Inc. | Irvine, CA
Job Description. Job Description. About Us: . Headquartered in the United States. TP-Link Systems Inc. is a global provider of reliable networking devices ... more
6 Days Ago
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