How much does a Quality Assurance Specialist make?
Quality Assurance Specialists play a vital role in ensuring the quality of products and services. Their efforts help companies meet customer expectations and maintain high standards. These specialists earn a respectable salary, which reflects their importance to the job. The average yearly salary for a Quality Assurance Specialist is about $69,795. This figure can vary based on experience, location, and industry.
Salaries for Quality Assurance Specialists can range quite a bit. Here is a breakdown based on percentile data:
- The bottom 10% earn $34,550 or less.
- The next 20% make between $34,550 and $44,573.
- The middle 20% earn between $44,573 and $54,595.
- The next 20% earn between $54,595 and $64,618.
- The top 10% earn $114,732 or more annually.
What are the highest paying cities for a Quality Assurance Specialist?

-
Washington, DC
Average Salary: $99,636
In Washington, DC, a specialist brings great skills to the nation's capital. With a focus on government projects, this role works with top firms like Deloitte and Accenture. A dynamic environment awaits those ready to test and ensure quality.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Washington, DC
-
San Francisco, CA
Average Salary: $93,978
Working in San Francisco as a specialist offers a tech-forward experience. Companies like Google and Salesforce dominate the landscape. This position demands attention to detail and a knack for software testing.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in San Francisco, CA
-
Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $92,690
Tallahassee, FL, provides a balanced work-life environment. Here, specialists often find roles in education and government. With a slower pace than other tech hubs, it's ideal for those seeking stability.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Tallahassee, FL
-
San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $91,922
San Jose, CA, is a bustling tech center. Specialists find opportunities in companies like Apple and Cisco. With a vibrant community, this city offers a fast-paced, rewarding work experience.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in San Jose, CA
-
Stamford, CT
Average Salary: $88,390
In Stamford, CT, specialists work with financial and insurance companies. The area offers a mix of big firms and startups. This position provides a mix of traditional and innovative projects.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Stamford, CT
-
Huntsville, AL
Average Salary: $88,115
Huntsville, AL, combines a friendly atmosphere with cutting-edge tech. Working for companies like Raytheon and NASA, specialists here play a crucial role in defense and space programs.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Huntsville, AL
-
Albany, NY
Average Salary: $87,496
Albany, NY, offers a mix of public sector and private industry. This city is home to companies like IBM and Fidelity. Here, specialists often work on diverse projects ranging from finance to technology.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Albany, NY
-
Boston, MA
Average Salary: $86,483
Boston, MA, is rich with history and innovation. Specialists find roles in both education and tech. Working with firms like Mass General Brigham and HubSpot, this city offers a unique blend of tradition and progress.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Boston, MA
-
Seattle, WA
Average Salary: $84,272
Seattle, WA, is a tech hub with a vibrant culture. Here, specialists often work with Amazon and Microsoft. This city provides a progressive environment where quality testing is key to success.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Seattle, WA
-
Durham, NC
Average Salary: $82,995
Durham, NC, is known for its research and tech industry. Home to Duke University and IBM, specialists find rewarding roles here. This city offers a unique blend of academia and corporate innovation.
Find Quality Assurance Specialist jobs in Durham, NC
What are the best companies a Quality Assurance Specialist can work for?

-
Citi
Average Salary: $143,148
At Citi, Quality Assurance Specialists play a key role in ensuring the quality of financial services. The company operates globally, with major hubs in New York, London, and Hong Kong. Here, you'll help maintain high standards and customer satisfaction.
-
CACI International
Average Salary: $142,080
CACI International offers Quality Assurance Specialists opportunities to work in defense and intelligence sectors. With offices in the United States and the United Kingdom, you'll ensure that software and systems meet stringent security and quality requirements.
-
General Dynamics Information Technology
Average Salary: $133,531
Joining General Dynamics Information Technology means you’ll focus on creating robust systems for defense and civilian applications. The company operates across the U.S., with key locations in Falls Church, VA, and San Diego, CA.
-
Genentech
Average Salary: $117,881
Genentech, a member of the Roche Group, hires Quality Assurance Specialists to ensure the quality of biopharmaceutical products. With its main campus in South San Francisco, California, and other locations in the U.S., you'll help in developing treatments that improve lives.
-
Abbott
Average Salary: $113,561
Abbott, a global healthcare leader, seeks Quality Assurance Specialists to ensure product safety and efficacy. With offices worldwide, including Chicago, Illinois, and Baar, Switzerland, you'll play a critical role in medical device and nutrition product quality.
-
Wells Fargo
Average Salary: $112,230
At Wells Fargo, Quality Assurance Specialists focus on maintaining the quality of financial services. With a presence in major U.S. cities like Charlotte, North Carolina, and San Francisco, California, you'll help keep the bank's systems secure and reliable.
-
SAIC
Average Salary: $106,766
SAIC offers Quality Assurance Specialists roles in various sectors, including defense and healthcare. With offices across the U.S., including McLean, Virginia, you'll ensure high standards in technology and service delivery.
-
CGI
Average Salary: $106,282
At CGI, Quality Assurance Specialists work on ensuring the quality of IT services. The company operates globally, with significant locations in Montreal, Canada, and Toronto, Canada. You'll help deliver top-notch technology solutions.
-
Information Technology Services, Office of
Average Salary: $103,520
The Office of Information Technology Services seeks Quality Assurance Specialists to maintain high-quality IT infrastructure. With operations primarily in Washington, D.C., you'll support critical federal services.
-
Noblis
Average Salary: $102,863
Noblis employs Quality Assurance Specialists to ensure the quality of mission-critical systems. With offices in the United States and internationally, including Arlington, Virginia, you'll help in providing solutions for defense and health sectors.
How to earn more as a Quality Assurance Specialist?
Becoming a Quality Assurance Specialist can be a rewarding career. If aiming to earn more in this role, there are several factors to consider. Focus on these key areas to increase earning potential. Building a solid foundation in core skills can open doors to higher-paying positions.
Professionals can explore the following factors to boost their earnings:
- Certifications: Earning certifications can enhance credibility and skills. Consider certifications like CQA, CQE, or ISTQB.
- Experience: Gaining experience in various industries can lead to higher positions. Work on projects that offer diverse challenges and responsibilities.
- Specialization: Specializing in a niche can make a professional more valuable. Focus on areas like software testing, manufacturing, or pharmaceuticals.
- Education: Pursuing advanced degrees or relevant courses can improve qualifications. A degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field can be beneficial.
- Networking: Building a strong professional network can lead to better job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional organizations, and connect with peers.



