As of July 01, 2026, the average salary for a Software Quality Tester in the United States is $46,895 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $23.
However, a Software Quality Tester's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Software Quality 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 Software Quality 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 |
|---|---|
| Software ... Level Software Quality Tester | $46,460 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Tester | $52,696 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Tester | $62,864 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Tester | $70,647 |
| Software ... Level Software Quality Tester | $117,190 |
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 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
|
$56,743 |
21%
|
|
Android
|
$56,274 |
20%
|
|
Time Management
|
$55,336 |
18%
|
|
Software Development
|
$54,868 |
17%
|
|
Test Automation
|
$54,399 |
16%
|
|
Python
|
$54,399 |
16%
|
For Software Quality 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, Software Quality Tester positions in Internet or Transportation typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Software Quality Tester as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Healthcare | $56,274 | $27.0 | 20% |
| Biotechnology | $53,930 | $26.0 | 15% |
| Aerospace & Defense | $51,585 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Business Services | $51,585 | $25.0 | 10% |
| Insurance | $51,585 | $25.0 | 10% |
Understanding how a Software Quality 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 July 01, 2026Salaries for a Software Quality Tester can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $47,953 in 2023 to around $47,733 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Software Quality Tester salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $47,953 |
| 2024 | $48,105 |
| 2025 | $47,733 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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