How much does a Quality Assurance Specialist make?
A Quality Assurance (QA) Specialist plays a key role in ensuring products meet quality standards. Their work helps companies avoid costly mistakes. People in this role can earn a good salary. The average yearly salary for a QA Specialist is around $70,747. This figure varies based on experience, industry, and location.
The salary for a QA Specialist can range from $32,628 to $139,000 annually. Here is a breakdown of what different salary ranges look like:
- The lowest 10% earn less than $32,628.
- The next 10% earn between $32,628 and $42,298.
- The next 12% earn between $42,298 and $51,968.
- The next 12% earn between $51,968 and $61,638.
- The next 11% earn between $61,638 and $71,308.
- The next 10% earn between $71,308 and $80,979.
- The next 7% earn between $80,979 and $90,649.
- The next 4% earn between $90,649 and $100,319.
- The next 3% earn between $100,319 and $109,989.
- The next 3% earn between $109,989 and $119,660.
- The next 2% earn between $119,660 and $129,330.
- The top 1% earn more than $129,330.
What are the highest paying cities for a Quality Assurance Specialist?
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Providence, RI
Average Salary: $120,248
In Providence, RI, professionals ensure top-quality standards in the thriving tech and medical sectors. Companies like CVS Health and Textron Systems value meticulous attention to detail. Working here means you’ll be part of a community that appreciates reliability and precision.
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Washington, DC
Average Salary: $106,056
In Washington, DC, specialists maintain high standards in both the government and private sectors. With companies like Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin, the focus is on securing top-notch quality. The work here offers a unique blend of stability and dynamic projects.
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San Jose, CA
Average Salary: $98,009
San Jose, CA is a hub for innovation, and quality assurance experts play a key role in tech companies. At giants like Intel and VMware, professionals ensure software and hardware meet the highest standards. The city buzzes with opportunity and growth.
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Anchorage, AK
Average Salary: $97,776
Anchorage, AK offers a unique blend of natural beauty and tech advancement. Quality assurance specialists here work with companies like BP and Raytheon. They ensure that operations meet high standards in this remote yet bustling environment.
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Albany, NY
Average Salary: $92,855
In Albany, NY, professionals help maintain quality in state government and healthcare. Companies like MVP Health Care and New York State Government rely on specialists to uphold rigorous standards. The job offers a mix of challenges and stability.
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Boston, MA
Average Salary: $92,249
Boston, MA is known for its educational and medical institutions. Specialists here work with companies like General Electric and Partners HealthCare. They ensure that products and services meet top standards in a city rich in history.
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Tallahassee, FL
Average Salary: $89,716
In Tallahassee, FL, quality assurance specialists ensure excellence in both the government and tech sectors. Companies like LexisNexis and the State of Florida need professionals who focus on accuracy and quality. The city offers a blend of natural beauty and professional growth.
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Durham, NC
Average Salary: $89,405
Durham, NC is a research and tech hub, home to companies like Duke University and IBM. Quality assurance experts here ensure that groundbreaking work meets the highest standards. The job provides a mix of innovation and stability.
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Boulder, CO
Average Salary: $88,207
In Boulder, CO, professionals ensure quality in a mix of tech startups and established companies. Places like Ball Corporation and Boulder Labs value meticulous quality control. The job offers a dynamic environment and stunning natural surroundings.
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San Diego, CA
Average Salary: $87,188
San Diego, CA is known for its tech companies and beautiful beaches. Specialists here work with firms like Qualcomm and Teva Pharmaceuticals. They ensure products meet the highest standards in a vibrant city.
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What are the best companies a Quality Assurance Specialist can work for?
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CACI International Inc
Average Salary: $133,399
CACI International Inc offers high-paying positions for Quality Assurance Specialists. They focus on developing, testing, and validating software and systems. They have locations across the United States, with major offices in Arlington, VA, and Colorado Springs, CO.
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Gilead Sciences
Average Salary: $129,914
At Gilead Sciences, Quality Assurance Specialists ensure the quality and safety of biopharmaceutical products. They work in various locations, including Foster City, CA, and Cork, Ireland. Gilead values quality and innovation, making it a top choice for many.
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Amgen
Average Salary: $127,532
Amgen provides rewarding roles for Quality Assurance Specialists. They are responsible for ensuring that all products meet the highest quality standards. Amgen operates globally, with major offices in Thousand Oaks, CA, and Cambridge, UK.
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Genentech
Average Salary: $121,542
Genentech offers competitive salaries for Quality Assurance Specialists. They focus on quality control and assurance across their biopharmaceutical products. This company is based in South San Francisco, CA, and is part of the Roche Group.
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Noblis
Average Salary: $120,746
Noblis provides Quality Assurance Specialists with opportunities to work on critical projects. They focus on ensuring quality in defense and health-related projects. Noblis has offices across the United States, including in Falls Church, VA.
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Peraton
Average Salary: $118,375
Peraton offers high-paying roles for Quality Assurance Specialists. They work on innovative projects in defense, space, and commercial markets. Major offices are located in Reston, VA, and Herndon, VA.
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Citi
Average Salary: $116,169
Citi offers competitive salaries for Quality Assurance Specialists. They ensure the quality of financial services and products. Citi has a global presence with major offices in New York, NY, and London, UK.
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Merck
Average Salary: $116,050
Merck provides opportunities for Quality Assurance Specialists to ensure the quality of pharmaceuticals and vaccines. They have offices worldwide, with headquarters in Kenilworth, NJ.
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Navitas Partners, LLC
Average Salary: $107,538
Navitas Partners, LLC offers rewarding positions for Quality Assurance Specialists. They focus on ensuring the quality of consulting services. Locations include Arlington, VA, and Philadelphia, PA.
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United States Department of Defense
Average Salary: $104,353
The United States Department of Defense offers positions for Quality Assurance Specialists focused on defense projects. They work in various locations across the United States, ensuring the quality of defense operations and products.
How to earn more as a Quality Assurance Specialist?
A Quality Assurance Specialist plays a key role in ensuring products meet high standards. This profession can be quite rewarding, especially with the right approach. Increasing earnings as a Quality Assurance Specialist involves several strategic steps. Focus on these areas to boost your salary and career prospects.
Gaining specialized skills can lead to higher pay. Look into certifications and advanced training in areas like Six Sigma or ISO standards. These credentials show employers that you have a deeper understanding of quality assurance practices. They can also make you more attractive to employers willing to pay a premium for skilled professionals. Networking within the industry opens doors to better opportunities. Attend industry conferences and join professional organizations. These connections can provide insider information about job openings and salary benchmarks. They can also lead to recommendations and referrals, which are powerful tools in the job market.
Experience matters. Seek roles that offer diverse challenges and responsibilities. Working in different sectors or on various projects builds a versatile skill set. This versatility makes you a valuable asset to employers. Employers often reward experience with higher pay. Look for opportunities to take on leadership roles or mentor junior staff. These experiences can lead to promotions and salary increases. Keeping skills updated with the latest tools and technologies is crucial. The field of quality assurance is always evolving. Learning new software and methodologies can set you apart from others. This knowledge ensures you can perform your job more efficiently and effectively. Employers value staff who stay current with industry trends.
Consider these factors to increase your earnings as a Quality Assurance Specialist:
- Earn specialized certifications.
- Build a strong professional network.
- Gain diverse experience in different roles.
- Take on leadership and mentorship opportunities.
- Keep skills updated with the latest industry tools and practices.
