As of January 01, 2026, the average salary for a Lead QA Automation Engineer in the United States is $103,056 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $50.
However, a Lead QA Automation Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A Lead QA Automation Engineer'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 Lead QA Automation Engineer'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 Lead QA Automation Engineer | $98,939 |
| Intermediate Level Lead QA Automation Engineer | $99,515 |
| Senior Level Lead QA Automation Engineer | $100,668 |
| Specialist Level Lead QA Automation Engineer | $105,033 |
| Expert Level Lead QA Automation Engineer | $107,406 |
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 Lead QA Automation Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Team Development | 3.93% |
| Software Development | 2.98% |
| JavaScript | 1.84% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Python
|
$109,239 |
6%
|
|
Android
|
$108,209 |
5%
|
|
Linux
|
$108,209 |
5%
|
|
Debugging
|
$108,209 |
5%
|
|
Networking
|
$107,178 |
4%
|
|
Computer Science
|
$107,178 |
4%
|
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many Lead QA Automation Engineers 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 Lead QA Automation Engineer with a Bachelor's Degree is between $102,178 and $106,839).
Lead QA Automation Engineer Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 0.6% |
| High School | 2.8% |
| Associates | 6.1% |
| Bachelors | 52.6% |
| Masters | 36.4% |
| Doctorate | 1.4% |
Understanding how a Lead QA Automation Engineer'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 January 01, 2026Salaries for a Lead QA Automation Engineer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary increased from $104,108 in 2023 to around $104,581 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Lead QA Automation Engineer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $104,108 |
| 2024 | $104,769 |
| 2025 | $104,581 |
| 2026 |
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|
| 2027 |
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|
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Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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