Intro
Discover the average Quality Assurance Specialist salary ranges in the US, including factors affecting pay, industry standards, and geographic variations. Learn about the roles responsibilities, required skills, and education to determine the average QA specialist salary and boost your career prospects in software testing and quality assurance.
The role of a Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist is crucial in ensuring that products or services meet the required standards of quality, reliability, and performance. As a result, QA Specialists are in high demand across various industries, and their salaries can vary significantly based on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific job requirements.

In this article, we will delve into the world of QA Specialist salaries, exploring the average salary ranges, factors that influence salaries, and industry-specific salary trends. Whether you are a QA Specialist looking to understand your market worth or an employer seeking to hire a QA Specialist, this article aims to provide valuable insights into the world of QA Specialist salaries.
What is the Average Salary of a QA Specialist?
The average salary of a QA Specialist varies widely based on location, industry, and level of experience. According to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for QA Specialists was $73,590 in May 2020. However, salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $110,000 per year, depending on the specific job requirements and industry.
Here are some average salary ranges for QA Specialists in different industries:
- Software development: $70,000 - $100,000 per year
- Manufacturing: $50,000 - $80,000 per year
- Healthcare: $60,000 - $90,000 per year
- Finance: $70,000 - $110,000 per year
Factors that Influence QA Specialist Salaries
Several factors can influence the salary of a QA Specialist, including:
- Location: Salaries can vary significantly based on location, with cities like San Francisco and New York tend to offer higher salaries than smaller towns and cities.
- Industry: Different industries have varying salary ranges for QA Specialists, with software development and finance tend to offer higher salaries than manufacturing and healthcare.
- Level of experience: More experienced QA Specialists can command higher salaries, with senior QA Specialists often earning upwards of $100,000 per year.
- Specific job requirements: QA Specialists with specialized skills, such as automation testing or DevOps, may be able to command higher salaries than those with more general QA skills.
- Education: QA Specialists with higher levels of education, such as a Bachelor's or Master's degree, may be able to command higher salaries than those with lower levels of education.
Industry-Specific Salary Trends
Here are some industry-specific salary trends for QA Specialists:
-
Software Development
QA Specialists in software development tend to earn higher salaries than those in other industries, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $100,000 per year. According to data from Indeed, the average salary for a QA Specialist in software development is around $85,000 per year.
-
Manufacturing
QA Specialists in manufacturing tend to earn lower salaries than those in software development, with average salaries ranging from $40,000 to $70,000 per year. According to data from the BLS, the median annual salary for QA Specialists in manufacturing was $54,610 in May 2020.
-
Healthcare
QA Specialists in healthcare tend to earn salaries that are similar to those in manufacturing, with average salaries ranging from $50,000 to $80,000 per year. According to data from Indeed, the average salary for a QA Specialist in healthcare is around $65,000 per year.
-
Finance
QA Specialists in finance tend to earn higher salaries than those in other industries, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $110,000 per year. According to data from Indeed, the average salary for a QA Specialist in finance is around $90,000 per year.

Conclusion
In conclusion, the salary of a QA Specialist can vary widely based on factors such as location, industry, level of experience, and specific job requirements. While the average salary for a QA Specialist is around $73,590 per year, salaries can range from around $40,000 to over $110,000 per year, depending on the specific job requirements and industry. By understanding the factors that influence QA Specialist salaries and industry-specific salary trends, employers and job seekers can make informed decisions about salaries and career development.
What is the average salary of a QA Specialist?
+The average salary of a QA Specialist is around $73,590 per year, according to data from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
What factors influence QA Specialist salaries?
+Several factors can influence the salary of a QA Specialist, including location, industry, level of experience, specific job requirements, and education.
Which industry tends to offer the highest salaries for QA Specialists?
+Software development and finance tend to offer the highest salaries for QA Specialists, with average salaries ranging from $70,000 to over $110,000 per year.