As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Quality Assurance Tester in the United States is $47,903 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Quality Assurance Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Quality Assurance Tester'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 Quality Assurance Tester'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 |
|---|---|
| Quality A... Level Quality Assurance Tester | $48,336 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Tester | $54,824 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Tester | $65,398 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Tester | $73,491 |
| Software ... Level Quality Assurance Tester | $121,902 |
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 Quality Assurance Testers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 5.23% |
| Computer Science | 3.9% |
| Python | 2.13% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Debugging
|
$57,962 |
21%
|
|
Android
|
$57,483 |
20%
|
|
Time Management
|
$56,525 |
18%
|
|
Software Development
|
$56,046 |
17%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$55,567 |
16%
|
|
Python
|
$55,567 |
16%
|
For Quality Assurance Tester 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 Healthcare and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Quality Assurance Tester positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Quality Assurance Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $57,483 | $28.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $55,088 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $52,693 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $52,693 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $52,693 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Quality Assurance Tester'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 Quality Assurance Tester can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $49,882 in 2023 to around $49,654 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Quality Assurance Tester salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $49,882 |
| 2024 | $50,040 |
| 2025 | $49,654 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Healthcare industry offers the highest average compensation for Quality Assurance Tester roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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