As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Systems Software QA Engineer in the United States is $74,347 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $36.
However, a Systems Software QA Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Systems Software QA 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Systems Software QA 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Systems Software QA Engineer | $73,567 |
| Intermediate Level Systems Software QA Engineer | $74,113 |
| Senior Level Systems Software QA Engineer | $75,285 |
| Specialist Level Systems Software QA Engineer | $75,520 |
| Expert Level Systems Software QA Engineer | $75,676 |
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 Systems Software QA Engineers. 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
|
$77,321 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$76,578 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$76,578 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$76,578 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$76,578 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$75,834 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Systems Software QA Engineers 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 Systems Software QA Engineer with a No Diploma is between $62,150 and $66,214).
Systems Software QA Engineer 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 Systems Software QA 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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Systems Software QA Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $71,264 in 2023 to around $70,337 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Systems Software QA Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $71,264 |
| 2024 | $70,932 |
| 2025 | $70,337 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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