As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Engineer in the United States is $72,527 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $35.
However, a Software Quality Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A 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, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a 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 |
|---|---|
| Entry Level Software Quality Engineer | $72,527 |
| Intermediate Level Software Quality Engineer | $73,064 |
| Senior Level Software Quality Engineer | $74,221 |
| Specialist Level Software Quality Engineer | $74,452 |
| Expert Level Software Quality Engineer | $74,606 |
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 Software Quality 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
|
$75,428 |
4%
|
|
Innovation
|
$74,702 |
3%
|
|
Software Development
|
$74,702 |
3%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$74,702 |
3%
|
|
Programming
|
$74,702 |
3%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$73,977 |
2%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Software Quality 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 Software Quality Engineer with a No Diploma is between $62,150 and $66,214).
Software Quality 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 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.
Last Updated on January 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Quality Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $70,256 in 2023 to around $69,342 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $70,256 |
| 2024 | $69,929 |
| 2025 | $69,342 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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