As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance Engineer in Rhode Island is $98,622 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $47.
However, a Software Quality Assurance Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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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 | $76,385 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $98,031 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $118,848 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $137,248 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance Engineer | $160,518 |
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:
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 | $128,209 | $62.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $123,278 | $59.0 | 25% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $118,347 | $57.0 | 20% |
| Business Services | $113,416 | $55.0 | 15% |
| MFG Nondurable | $110,457 | $53.0 | 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.
Last Updated on July 01, 2026Ready 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.
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