QA Engineer Salary in 2026
QA engineers ensure software quality through systematic testing, automation, and bug tracking. They develop test plans, write automated tests, and work with developers to ship reliable products.
Median Salary
$86,000
$7,167/mo
Entry Level
$55,000
starting pay
Senior Level
$123,000
experienced
Job Growth
+15%
10-yr outlook
QA Engineer Overview
QA engineers ensure software quality through systematic testing, automation, and bug tracking. They develop test plans, write automated tests, and work with developers to ship reliable products.
Education
Bachelor's Degree
Experience
2-4 years
Industry
Technology
Total Jobs (US)
190K
5-Year Growth
+16%
Category
Technology
Hourly Rate
$41.35/hr
Monthly Pay
$7,167
QA Engineer Salary Calculator
Adjust your state and experience level to see the estimated QA Engineer salary in your area.
Mid Career (5-9 yrs)
Estimated QA Engineer Salary
$100,000
$8,333/month · $3,846/biweekly · $48.08/hr
QA Engineer Salary Range
Salary distribution from entry-level to top earners in the QA Engineer field.
Entry-level QA Engineers earn around $55,000, while the top 10% earn $139,000 or more.
Top Paying States for QA Engineers
| State | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| California | $101,000 | +$15,000 |
| New York | $99,000 | +$13,000 |
| Washington | $96,000 | +$10,000 |
| Massachusetts | $96,000 | +$10,000 |
| Texas | $84,000 | $-2,000 |
Top Paying Cities for QA Engineers
| City | Est. Median Salary | vs National |
|---|---|---|
| San Francisco | $108,000 | +$22,000 |
| New York | $101,000 | +$15,000 |
| Seattle | $98,000 | +$12,000 |
| Boston | $96,000 | +$10,000 |
| Austin | $89,000 | +$3,000 |
Required Skills & Certifications
Key Skills
Certifications
QA Engineer Career Progression
Typical salary growth path for a QA Engineer from entry level to expert.
$55,000
0-2 years
$89,000
3-7 years
$123,000
8-14 years
$155,000
15+ years
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QA Engineer Salary FAQ
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