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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software QA Engineer in Virginia is $103,624 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Software QA Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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Software QA Engineer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $112,609 | $9,384 | $2,166 | $54 |
| Average | $103,624 | $8,635 | $1,993 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,910 | $7,992 | $1,844 | $46 |
Pioneering Evolution LLC - Arlington, VA
Sparks Group - McLean, VA
Falls Technology - Chantilly, VA
OCH Technologies LLC - Leesburg, VA
A Software QA 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 Software QA 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 |
|---|---|
| Quality A... Level Software QA Engineer | $77,345 |
| Quality A... Level Software QA Engineer | $91,033 |
| Software ... Level Software QA Engineer | $102,964 |
| Quality A... Level Software QA Engineer | $128,060 |
| Quality A... Level Software QA Engineer | $153,645 |
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 QA 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 Software QA Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 100% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Biotechnology sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 50% above the average. In contrast, Software QA Engineer positions in Transportation or Telecom typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software QA Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $155,436 | $75.0 | 50% |
Understanding how a Software QA 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 | $112,609 | $9,384 | $2,166 | $54 |
| Average | $103,624 | $8,635 | $1,993 | $50 |
| 25th Percentile | $95,910 | $7,992 | $1,844 | $46 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current Software QA Engineer job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
10Pearls - United States
Tysons Corner, VA
10Pearls - United States | Tysons Corner, VA
Job Description. Job Description. What You'll Do. Testing & Quality Assurance. Develop and execute test plans and test cases for Amazon Connect contact flo... more
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Tamayo Federal Solutions LLC
Norfolk, VA
Tamayo Federal Solutions LLC | Norfolk, VA
Job Description. Job Description. Description. Tamayo Federal Solutions, LLC, a Department of Defense contractor, is now hiring a Software QA Analyst to su... more
2 Days Ago
E-volve Technology Systems, Inc.
Reston, VA
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Job Description. Job Description. Position Description. E-volve Technology Systems, Inc. is hiring a Software Tester to work in support of an Intelligence ... more
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DANE LLC
Arlington, VA
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Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). Employee discounts. Paid time off. 401(k) matching. Health insurance. Tuition assistance. Vision insura... more
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Staffing the Universe
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Stealth Solutions, Inc.
Sterling, VA
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Job Description. Job Description. Benefits. 401(k). 401(k) matching. Health insurance. Paid time off. Position Overview. Stealth Solutions Inc. is seeking ... more
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