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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Senior Software Quality Engineer in Virginia is $147,096 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $71.
However, a Senior Software Quality Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Senior Software Quality Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $156,443 | $13,037 | $3,009 | $75 |
| Average | $147,096 | $12,258 | $2,829 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,856 | $11,321 | $2,613 | $65 |
Redhorse Corporation - Chantilly, VA
EAI Technologies - Vienna, VA
Ark Solutions - Alexandria, VA
North Point Technology - Fort Belvoir, VA
A Senior Software Quality 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 Senior Software Quality 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 Senior Software Quality Engineer | $104,370 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Quality Engineer | $127,815 |
| Senior So... Level Senior Software Quality Engineer | $147,876 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Quality Engineer | $169,996 |
| Software ... Level Senior Software Quality Engineer | $168,386 |
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 Senior Software Quality 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 Senior Software Quality Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 49% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 25% above the average. In contrast, Senior Software Quality Engineer positions in Retail & Wholesale or Hospitality & Leisure typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Senior Software Quality Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $183,869 | $88.0 | 25% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $176,515 | $85.0 | 20% |
| Financial Services | $169,160 | $81.0 | 15% |
| Insurance | $169,160 | $81.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $161,805 | $78.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Senior Software Quality 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 | $156,443 | $13,037 | $3,009 | $75 |
| Average | $147,096 | $12,258 | $2,829 | $71 |
| 25th Percentile | $135,856 | $11,321 | $2,613 | $65 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Senior Software Quality Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Commence
Virginia Beach, VA
Commence | Virginia Beach, VA
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INflow Federal
Springfield, VA
INflow Federal | Springfield, VA
Job Description. Job Description. About INflow Federal - founded in 2013, INflow Federal is a mission-driven small business delivering cutting-edge solutio... more
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Hatch Global Search
McLean, VA
Hatch Global Search | McLean, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Apply your software development experience to build and release our software technologies focused on the intersection bet... more
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Mindlance
Reston, VA
Mindlance | Reston, VA
Job Title. Performs complex analysis, design, development, testing, and debugging of computer software ranging from operating system architecture integrati... more
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CSA Global LLC
Arlington, VA
CSA Global LLC | Arlington, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Client Solution Architects (CSA) is currently seeking a Senior Software Quality Assurance Analyst to support... more
8 Days Ago
CyberMedia Technologies
McLean, VA
CyberMedia Technologies | McLean, VA
Job Description. Job Description. CTEC is a leading technology firm that provides modernization, digital transformation, and application development servic... more
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