QA Tester: career path and pay in the US
Where a QA Tester goes next, what each step typically pays in the United States, and how exposed the path is to AI replacement. 3 steps, from QA Tester to Senior QA Tester / QA Engineer.
Also for the United Kingdom: QA Tester in the UK
The path
Step 1 · 0 to 2 years
QA Tester
$40K to $60K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: ISTQB Foundation Level - Global, Certified Tester Foundation Level (CTFL) - Global, BCS Foundation Certificate (optional) - UK/EU.
Step 2 · 2 to 5 years
QA Tester / Test Analyst
$50K to $80K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: ISTQB Advanced Level - Global, BCS Practitioner Certificate - UK/EU.
Step 3 · 5 to 10 years
Senior QA Tester / QA Engineer
$55K to $85K
Typical US pay for this job title, retrieved September 2026.
What this step adds
Credentials that help: ISTQB Expert Level - Global, BCS Advanced Certificate - UK/EU.
Exposure and pay along the path
Exposure to AI, now to later
76% → 52%
Falls 24 points. Each step is harder to automate than the last. Lower is better.
Typical pay, now to later
$40K to $60K → $55K to $85K
US estimates by job title, Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US.
What the work involves
Develop and execute software tests to identify software problems and their causes. Test system modifications to prepare for implementation. Document software and application defects using a bug tracking system and report defects to software or web developers. Create and maintain databases of known defects. May participate in software design reviews to provide input on functional requirements, operational characteristics, product designs, and schedules.
Skills that matter most
- Reading Comprehension
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Critical Thinking
- Writing
- Monitoring
Knowledge areas
- Computers and Electronics
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Engineering and Technology
- Design
- Education and Training
Education people bring
- Bachelor's Degree: 50%
- Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree: 27%
- Some College Courses: 9%
Job Zone 4, job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Other paths from here
- QA Engineer
- Test Automation Engineer
- QA Lead
- QA Manager
More Technology paths in the US
Related occupations in O*NET: Software Developers, Validation Engineers, Computer Systems Engineers/Architects, Penetration Testers, Computer Systems Analysts.
Your own role
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SourcesSalary bands: Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale US, US national averages by job title, retrieved September 2026Skills, knowledge and education: O*NET 31.0 Database
This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CC BY 4.0
Salary estimates by job title from Glassdoor, Indeed and PayScale, retrieved September 2026. Each band runs from 20% below to 20% above the reported average, rounded to $5K. Exposure percentages and the skills listed under each step are this app's own editorial ratings, not published data.