According to The Tech Council of Australia, the nation’s tech sector is equivalent to Australia’s 7th largest employer, employing 1 in 16 working Australians.
It’s expected that by 2030, technology could contribute more to GDP than primary industries or manufacturing.
Amid this tech boom, organisations have come to depend on skilled professionals who can ensure that software, products and systems perform optimally while meeting quality standards.
If you’re a quality assurance professional, don’t expect your workload to slow down any time soon.
As IT Masters reports, Australia’s IT spending is set to soar to an impressive A$146.85 billion in 2025, a substantial 8.7% increase from 2024.
Tech is no longer a discretionary expense - for modern-day businesses, it’s a strategic investment on which operational efficiency, security and competitive advantage all depend.
If you’re a local QA professional with the right qualifications and skills, there is great potential for rewarding career opportunities in 2025 and beyond.
While qualified QA professionals are integral to tech success, 79% of tech workers say it has become more challenging to negotiate a pay rise compared to last year*.
Whether you’re preparing for salary reviews, promotion opportunities or considering a new job, knowing how to negotiate a quality assurance salary is pivotal. After all, there’s nothing wrong with a desire for career progression and fair compensation.
Consider this blog your guide to navigating the salary negotiation process in Australia. We’ll provide practical strategies and industry insights that will simplify your quality assurance salary negotiations so you can minimise your stress and maximise your salary.
Quality assurance overview
According to the Australian Trade and Investment Commission's ‘Digital Technology Report’, Australia’s A$167 billion tech sector is growing by an average of 16% per year.
Driven by widespread investments in cybersecurity, generative AI (GenAI), and cloud solutions, it’s a sector that continues to see significant growth and resilience despite other industries facing significant economic challenges.
Quality assurance professionals in Australia play a pivotal role in the nation’s digital transformation, exploring the capabilities of evolving technologies.
You will be responsible for creating, maintaining and managing technical quality assurance processes and procedures, assessing the efficiency, validity, value and functional performance of tech applications.
You will also audit systems to ensure compliance with, and adherence to, accredited internal and external industry quality standards and regulations.
It’s important to note that many factors can influence your quality assurance salary, including the three below:
1. Education and certification
In Australia, it’s generally expected that quality assurance professionals pursue a formal education to build their foundational skills.
According to Jobs and Skills Australia, 46.4% of ICT Quality Assurance Engineers hold a Bachelor’s Degree, while 32.3% hold a Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.
Similarly, in the case of Software Testers, 53.2% hold a Bachelor’s Degree, while 28.4% hold a Post Graduate/Graduate Diploma or Graduate Certificate.
Regardless of your chosen QA role, tech employers generally prefer a Bachelor’s Degree in Software Engineering, Computer Science or Information Technology.
Professionals who decide to pursue a Postgraduate Degree may study a Master’s in Software Engineering, Computer Science, or specialised fields like Artificial Intelligence or Data Science. While this is optional, it can be a valuable means to aid career advancement or specialisation.
Aside from tertiary education, industry certifications, practical training and short courses are valuable ways to build your expertise with specific tools, platforms and emerging technologies.
As outlined in the Robert Half Salary Guide, some of the most in-demand certifications and degrees in IT and technology include:
Microsoft 365 - modern workplace certifications
Microsoft Certified: Power BI Data Analyst Associate
Cyber and Information Security
Azure/AWS developer certifications/AI fundamentals
Azure/AWS infrastructure certifications
Linux
Cisco
2. Skills
A combination of formal education and practical experience can help to build a highly coveted skill set.
As a QA professional in Australia, you’ll need a mix of technical, interpersonal and critical thinking skills to sharpen your competitive edge in the tech sector.
Some essential technical skills include:
Programming proficiency – Whether it’s Java or C+, having expertise in diverse programming languages will make you a valuable asset.
An understanding of defect management tools –If you aren’t familiar with tools like JIRA, Bird Eat Bug, Backlog and Mantis, you’re missing a trick! They are a crucial part of your defect detection arsenal.
Cloud computing proficiency – With platforms like AWS, Google Cloud and Azure gaining momentum, cloud knowledge is a must.
An understanding of software development methodologies, databases and SQL – Your approach to software development and database concepts is sure to make an impression. Your knowledge of Structured Query Language, as well as your use of agile, waterfall, DevOps and database management systems, will help to strengthen your reputation as a capable QA professional.
Some essential soft skills include:
Problem-solving – To analyse complex problems, think critically and workshop scalable solutions.
Communication and collaboration – To liaise with multidisciplinary teams and achieve results effectively and efficiently.
Adaptability – To stay abreast of an ever-evolving industry, learning quickly and integrating new technologies as they emerge.
Attention to detail – To ensure an unwavering commitment to quality.
Time management and organisation – To deliver projects on time and on target.
3. Experience
The extent of experience required for Australian quality assurance personnel can vary depending on the role’s seniority, the industry and specific employer requirements.
Irrespective of your formal qualifications, organisations expect their quality assurance team members to have a combination of practical experience, technical proficiency, initiative and an innovative approach.
Let’s take a look at the expected experience for different levels of seniority.
Entry-level positions
Practical experience - Recent graduates who may have completed internships or relevant academic projects or, those who have spent time working in QA adjacent roles.
Basic work experience – 0-2 years of relevant experience in a junior or support role to learn and build key skills.
Mid-level positions
Professional experience – 2-5 years of hands-on experience in QA or related roles.
Specialisation– Consistent demonstration of unique specialisation in automation or performance testing.
Technical expertise – Proven ability to work with multiple programming languages, defect management tools, software development methodologies, databases and SQL.
Problem-solving – Proven track record of independently resolving complex technical issues.
Senior-level positions
Leadership experience – 5+ years of QA leadership experience.
Testing architecture – A proven ability to define overarching testing strategies to ensure the delivery of high-quality tech systems.
Strategic contributions – A history of impactful contributions, aligning QA initiatives with business goals and training and mentoring a wider team of QA professionals.
Advanced knowledge – Expert understanding of testing types, automation and QA tools and technologies, systems, laws and regulations.
Risk Management – Leveraging metrics and reporting to drive risk assessments and continuous improvement initiatives.
What you need to know about a quality assurance salary
According to Sana Keenan, specialised tech recruiter at Robert Half, many quality assurance professionals are cautious about what 2025 holds.
She says, “In my discussions with QA experts, I’m finding that many are navigating challenges around limited business recognition, lack of salary transparency and a real fear of stagnation or job loss due to automation. Despite this, they are all highly motivated to achieve fair compensation, master new tools and technologies and advance into specialised or management roles.”
Sana recognises that it’s only fair for experience and expertise to be properly compensated.
“Quality assurance expertise in the tech space is critical – businesses simply cannot drive their digital agendas forward without it. I want all QA professionals to feel educated and empowered when they approach major salary discussions because the way I see it, there are still some major opportunities for skilled tech talent,” she says.
When it comes to a quality assurance salary in Australia, it’s important to recognise that your earning potential is influenced by your level of experience, education and the industry you work in.
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, QA professionals can typically expect salaries around the below ranges**:
Junior position (i.e., QA Analyst/Engineer)
Beginner -$90.5k
Mid-level - $110.5k
Advanced -$130.5k
Mid-level position (i.e., Automation Engineer)
Beginner -$110k
Mid-level - $130k
Advanced -$150.5k
Senior position (i.e., Test Manager)
Beginner -$135k
Mid-level - $145.5k
Advanced -$160.5k
Quality assurance encompasses a range of different positions – you’ll find all of the below within The Robert Half Salary Guide:
QA Analyst/Engineer
Automation Engineer
Test Manager
If you want to gain the upper hand in negotiations this year, it’s important to understand the defining quality assurance salary trends.
Sana says, “We have just launched the Robert Half 2025 Australia Salary Guide - QA salaries in 2024 and 2025 have remained fairly consistent. Due to market conditions and a few years of tech salary hikes, salaries have stabilised for the moment. I’d encourage all QA professionals to take a look at this information because, in some cases, we are seeing some state-by-state variations.”
“A quality assurance salary in Perth, for example, sits 9% above the national average. It proves that location does have a major impact, particularly when you consider factors such as competition, availability of talent and regional talent costs.”
“Of course, factors like education, skills and experience will always impact your salary. Be clear on the general salary range for your role. If you’re striving for a higher range, know that advancing your skills, experience, and qualifications will be essential in maximising your earning capacity. With so much industry focus on cybersecurity, GenAI and cloud solutions, those could be worthwhile areas to explore,” says Sana.
Tips for negotiating a quality assurance salary
Salary negotiations can seem daunting, especially if you feel uninformed and undervalued.
When negotiating your quality assurance salary, it’s important to remember that, generally, you get what you put in.
If you take the time to do your research and build a unique value proposition, you can be on your way to securing fair compensation for your skills and services.
Ready to beat the negotiation anxiety? Be sure to try our four tips below:
1. Know your worth
Understanding the current salary trends will help you to establish confidence in your worth, make a compelling case and navigate negotiations with ease.
Undertake your own research and consider how the offer fits in the context of the wider market. The 2025 Robert Half Salary Guide offers comprehensive salary data and insights to help you determine whether an offer is within the market range for your experience and position level.
If the offer is below the market averages or you feel you are worth more, it’s important to justify this to your employer or prospective employer.
Sana stresses the importance of being realistic.
She says, “I want QA candidates to secure the best salary possible but, it’s important to do it from an informed position. Ask yourself whether you’re in a position to negotiate a higher salary or whether you need to build on some skills or qualifications to hit a more advanced salary range. Consider certifications like ISTQB and/or specialisations such as automation or security testing which can impact salary parameters.”
“Take the time to identify regional differences (as outlined in The Robert Half Salary Guide). In doing so, you can identify where you may have room to negotiate based on location. For example, a QA professional in Sydney can expect a salary 8% above the national average, whereas a software engineer in Melbourne or Brisbane can only expect a salary that’s 2% above the national average,” she says.
2. Prepare for negotiation
Before commencing your negotiations, distil your value by evaluating your current role, job history, skills and contributions.
Be prepared to justify your desired salary - use quantifiable evidence to highlight your achievements, problem-solving skills and efficiency improvements while aligning them to the organisation’s objectives.
Sana says, “Gather any evidence that will help to boost your appeal – it could be industry certifications, niche skill sets or unique contributions, from accuracy and compliance to system improvements.”
“Hard skills are critical but don’t discount your soft skills. Successful QA professionals need to be efficient, effective and empathetic – it’s what makes them great communicators, leaders and collaborators.”
3. Master the conversation
So, what’s the secret to mastering the conversation during your quality assurance salary negotiation?
Sana believes it comes down to preparation, confidence and strategic communication.
“Don’t be afraid to leverage scripts or templates tailored for common negotiation scenarios. It might seem strange at first, but, they can help you to articulate your value, respond to common objections and address counteroffers,” she says.
“Take some time to prepare a script outlining your skills, experience and market trends – it can help you justify your desired salary. In my experience, it’s an effective way to stay composed and persuasive. At the very least, it’s an opportunity to practice answering tough questions.”
Remember, negotiation success hinges on how you conduct yourself, so be sure to maintain a collaborative yet confident approach.
Remain polite, positive, and professional throughout the process - be open to compromises and feedback, but take charge of the situation positively to help assert your confidence and preparedness for further negotiations.
4. Leverage market trends
If you’re a QA professional, know that 2025 is set to bring about some dominant market trends. As outlined in the latest Robert Half Salary Guide:
Job security remains a top priority for IT and tech employees following market volatility. 41% of tech employees prioritise job security over salary in the current market.
Experts in infrastructure, service and security are expected to be most sought after as companies seek to optimise their security systems and capitalise on new technology to stay competitive.
Financial services, healthcare and aged care, manufacturing, transport and mining services are among the sectors most heavily recruiting for tech professionals in Australia.
As companies migrate to cloud-based software solutions, there is a high demand for skilled cloud integration engineers who can transition businesses from on-premises to cloud environments.
Rather than committing to permanent hires, employers are opting for contractors to address urgent demands. 73% of Australian businesses plan to hire tech contractors in the next 12 months for new or existing positions, predominately in the areas of security, application development and networking.
Sana encourages QA candidates to leverage these market trends in any quality assurance salary negotiations.
She says, “These insights should steer the direction of your negotiations. For example, take note of all the dialogue around AI testing and automation. It gives a good indication of what employers want and what you need to try and bring to the table to get the best salary possible. Experience in these areas can strengthen your position, as employers will often pay a premium for this kind of expertise.”
Above all, Sana says it’s important to consider the value beyond salary.
“Evaluate the package as a whole - salary isn’t the only factor to consider. Think about the additional benefits that could form the best package for you.
Things like flexible work hours, hybrid working models and extra annual leave entitlements can help to enrich your employee experience,” she says.
2025 isn’t just the year for tech growth, it’s the year for QA experts like yourself to get the compensation you deserve! Taking pride in your skills isn’t enough - you need the right information and the right preparation to navigate important salary conversations with confidence. Don’t wait - empower yourself today and swap your concerns and frustrations for healthy ambitions!
Looking for quality assurance opportunities? Robert Half is ready to match your skills with some exciting opportunities.
Uncover your earning potential in the Robert Half Salary Guide so you can start your salary discussions with the most up-to-date salary data and insights.
*Source: The non-salary data presented is derived from an online survey conducted by an independent research firm commissioned by Robert Half in November 2024. The survey gathered responses from 500 hiring managers in finance, accounting, business support, and IT and technology. Respondents are drawn from a sample of SMEs to large private, publicly-listed and public sector organisations across Australia.
**The salaries listed in the salary tables represent gross yearly salaries. They do not include bonuses, benefits or superannuation. We report salaries in three percentiles, recognising that professionals join companies at varied experience levels.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is quality assurance well-paid?
Tech jobs attract some of the highest salaries in the country. While salary increases in QA have remained relatively stable in comparison to 2024, these jobs are still considered to be well paid.
Is QA a high-paying job?
QA professionals are generally well-compensated in Australia. QA salaries reflect the employee’s qualifications, experience and specialist skills. The profession is in demand, offering competitive pay and opportunities for growth.
What is the highest salary in QA?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the highest-paid QA job is a Test Manager. Typically, this role would see a salary range of:
Beginner -$135k
Mid-level - $145.5k
Advanced -$160.5k
What does a quality assurance person do?
Quality assurance professionals in Australia play a pivotal role in the nation’s digital transformation, exploring the capabilities of evolving technologies.
They are responsible for creating, maintaining and managing technical quality assurance processes and procedures. They work to assess the efficiency, validity, value and functional performance of tech applications.
They also audit systems to ensure compliance with, and adherence to, accredited internal and external industry quality standards and regulations.
What is the average quality assurance salary?
According to The Robert Half Salary Guide, the average QA salary sits around the below range:
Beginner - $111,833K
Mid-level - $128,667K
Advanced – $147,167K
How can I negotiate a higher QA salary?
Know your worth
Prepare for negotiation
Master the conversation
Leverage market trends