As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for an Associate SQA Engineer in the United States is $133,530 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $64.
However, an Associate SQA Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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An Associate SQA 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 an Associate SQA 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 Associate SQA Engineer | $95,857 |
| Software ... Level Associate SQA Engineer | $116,211 |
| Associate... Level Associate SQA Engineer | $134,205 |
| Software ... Level Associate SQA Engineer | $156,980 |
| Software ... Level Associate SQA Engineer | $180,341 |
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 Associate SQA Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 3.01% |
| Software Testing | 3.19% |
| Scrum | 2.29% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Products and Services
|
$148,218 |
11%
|
|
Programming
|
$141,542 |
6%
|
|
Integrity
|
$138,871 |
4%
|
|
Debugging
|
$138,871 |
4%
|
|
Time Management
|
$138,871 |
4%
|
|
Oral Communication
|
$138,871 |
4%
|
For Associate SQA Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 40% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Associate SQA Engineer positions in Media or MFG Durable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Associate SQA Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Services | $160,236 | $77.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $153,560 | $74.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $149,554 | $72.0 | 12% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $146,883 | $71.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $145,548 | $70.0 | 9% |
Understanding how an Associate SQA 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 August 01, 2026Salaries for an Associate SQA Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $125,056 in 2023 to around $123,561 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Associate SQA Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $125,056 |
| 2024 | $124,302 |
| 2025 | $123,561 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Financial Services industry offers the highest average compensation for Associate SQA Engineer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
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