As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Assurance in Garrett Park, MD is $77,626 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $37.
However, a Software Quality Assurance's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Quality Assurance'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, skills and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a Software Quality Assurance'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 | $78,044 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance | $100,155 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance | $121,421 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance | $140,223 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Assurance | $164,018 |
What Am I Worth?
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Analysis | 4.71% |
| Test Automation | 3.05% |
| Automated Testing | 1.76% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Java
|
$80,731 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$79,954 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$79,954 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$79,954 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$79,954 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$79,178 |
2%
|
For Software Quality Assurance roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 110% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Software & Networking and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Software Quality Assurance positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Assurance as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Software & Networking | $116,438 | $56.0 | 50% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $97,032 | $47.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $93,151 | $45.0 | 20% |
| Energy & Utilities | $89,269 | $43.0 | 15% |
| Biotechnology | $85,388 | $41.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Software Quality Assurance'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, 2026Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software Quality Assurance job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
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