QA Engineer vs Software Engineer salary
In New Zealand, a software engineer earns about 18% more than a qa engineer — $117,455 vs $99,607 per year.
Showing amounts in USD (USD default; source data is NZD). FX as of Mon, 13 Jul 2026 00:02:31 +0000. Convert currencies
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Technology
Software Engineer$117,455/yr
- Monthly
- $9,788
- Hourly
- $56
- Range
- $75,194–$169,159
- 10-yr outlook
- +17%
Pay range, side by side
| Percentile | QA Engineer | Software Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Entry (10th) | $67,307 | $75,194 |
| 25th | $83,485 | $96,325 |
| Median | $99,607 | $117,455 |
| 75th | $119,355 | $143,307 |
| Senior (90th) | $139,046 | $169,159 |
National New Zealand figures in NZD. Individual pay varies with experience, employer, and location.
More Technology comparisons
Frequently asked questions
- Does a qa engineer or software engineer earn more in New Zealand?
- A software engineer earns more, at about $204,000 per year vs $173,000 for a qa engineer — roughly 18% ($31,000) more.
- What is the salary range for these roles in New Zealand?
- A qa engineer typically earns $116,900–$241,500, while a software engineer earns $130,600–$293,800 per year.
- How much do these jobs pay per month in New Zealand?
- On a monthly basis before tax, a qa engineer averages about $14,400 and a software engineer about $17,000.
- How do entry-level salaries compare?
- At the 10th percentile in New Zealand, a qa engineer earns about $116,900 while a software engineer earns about $130,600 per year.
- How do senior-level salaries compare?
- At the 90th percentile in New Zealand, a qa engineer earns about $241,500 while a software engineer earns about $293,800 per year.
- Are qa engineer and software engineer similar careers?
- Both roles sit in the Technology category on Pay by Role, which is why we compare them head-to-head. Day-to-day work still differs — review each job page for skills and outlook.