As of November 01, 2025, the average salary for a QA/Validation Engineer II in the United States is $89,110 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $43.
However, a QA/Validation Engineer II's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QA/Validation Engineer II's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location, education and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of a QA/Validation Engineer II's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here’s how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Levels | Salary |
|---|---|
| Entry Level QA/Validation Engineer II | $87,334 |
| Intermediate Level QA/Validation Engineer II | $87,495 |
| Senior Level QA/Validation Engineer II | $89,661 |
| Specialist Level QA/Validation Engineer II | $92,745 |
| Expert Level QA/Validation Engineer II | $92,965 |
What Am I Worth?
Your salary can change significantly depending on where you work. States with a higher cost of living and strong industrial sectors often pay more to attract QA/Validation Engineer IIs. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QA/Validation Engineer IIs enter the field with a Bachelor's Degree degree, higher education can lead to more specialized and higher-paying roles.
According to our 100% employer-reported salary data, the median salary for a QA/Validation Engineer II with a Bachelor's Degree is between $84,508 and $88,332.
QA/Validation Engineer II Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.3% |
| High School | 5.5% |
| Associates | 3.6% |
| Bachelors | 58.1% |
| Masters | 31.7% |
| Doctorate | 0.8% |
Understanding how a QA/Validation Engineer II's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
Last Updated on November 01, 2025Salaries for a QA/Validation Engineer II can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $83,866 in 2023 to around $83,677 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QA/Validation Engineer II salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
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|
| 2023 | $83,866 |
| 2024 | $83,848 |
| 2025 | $83,677 |
| 2026 |
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|
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Base Salary | $89,110 | 67.7% |
| Bonus | $4,630 | 3.5% |
| Median | % of Total | |
|---|---|---|
| Social Security | $7,171 | 5.4% |
| 401K/403B | $3,937 | 3.0% |
| Disability | $1,875 | 1.4% |
| Healthcare | $8,352 | 6.3% |
| Pension | $5,062 | 3.8% |
| Time Off | $11,537 | 8.8% |
| Total Compensation | $131,674 | 100% |
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Compensation PlanningHere are companies hiring for QA/Validation Engineer II and their salaries, click below for more details.
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The estimated total pay for a QA/Validation Engineer ranges from $81,510 to $95,880 per year, with a mid-salary of $88,330. This reflects the varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.
For QA professionals, certifications like ISTQB, ISCB, and those from the International Institute of Software Testing are highly regarded. These credentials can enhance your skills and potentially lead to salaries ranging from $81,510 to $95,880, with a median salary of $88,330, reflecting the value of certification in advancing your career.
How much does a Level 2 Engineer make? Based on the salary data for QA/Validation Engineers, the annual pay ranges from $81,510 to $95,880, with a mid-salary of $88,330. This translates to approximately $39.19 to $46.06 per hour, or $1,570 to $1,830 per week.
As of Jan 28, 2025, the average annual pay for a QA/Validation Engineer at Amazon Level 2 in the United States ranges from $81,510 to $95,880, with a mid-salary of $88,330. This translates to approximately $39.19 to $46.06 per hour, or $1,570 to $1,990 per week, and $6,800 to $8,630 per month.
As of January 25, 2025, the salary for a Senior Validation Engineer in the United States ranges from $81,510 to $95,880 annually, with a mid-point salary of $88,330. This translates to an average hourly rate of approximately $39.19 to $46.06, depending on experience and location.
The entry-level salary for a Validation Specialist typically ranges from $81,510 to $88,330 per year, with a mid-salary of approximately $88,330. This reflects the competitive nature of the field and the demand for skilled QA/Validation Engineers.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
We offer detailed salary information across multiple percentiles for your reference. (Click here to learn Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial for Achieving Pay Equity.)
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