As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA Automation Architect in the United States is $166,149 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $80.
However, a QA Automation Architect's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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A QA Automation Architect'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 Automation Architect'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 |
|---|---|
| Systems A... Level QA Automation Architect | $117,207 |
| Systems A... Level QA Automation Architect | $138,015 |
| QA Automa... Level QA Automation Architect | $165,473 |
| Systems A... Level QA Automation Architect | $133,465 |
| Systems A... Level QA Automation Architect | $150,227 |
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 Automation Architects. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Leadership | 5.34% |
| Software Development | 2.75% |
| Python | 1.44% |
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
|
Partnering
|
$176,118 |
6%
|
|
Systems Architecture
|
$174,456 |
5%
|
|
Commitment
|
$172,795 |
4%
|
|
Microservices
|
$171,133 |
3%
|
|
Enterprise Architecture
|
$171,133 |
3%
|
|
AWS
|
$171,133 |
3%
|
For QA Automation Architect roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 20% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Aerospace & Defense and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 10% above the average. In contrast, QA Automation Architect positions in Retail & Wholesale or MFG Nondurable typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA Automation Architect as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace & Defense | $182,764 | $88.0 | 10% |
| Energy & Utilities | $182,764 | $88.0 | 10% |
| Financial Services | $182,764 | $88.0 | 10% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $182,764 | $88.0 | 10% |
| Software & Networking | $182,764 | $88.0 | 10% |
Your level of education can impact your salary potential. While many QA Automation Architects 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 Automation Architect with a Bachelor's Degree is between $166,206 and $173,760).
QA Automation Architect Salaries by Degree Level
| Degree Level | % of user with this level of education |
|---|---|
| No Diploma | 2.6% |
| High School | 11.9% |
| Associates | 6.7% |
| Bachelors | 49.5% |
| Masters | 27.3% |
| Doctorate | 2.1% |
Understanding how a QA Automation Architect'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 August 01, 2026Salaries for a QA Automation Architect can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $166,432 in 2023 to around $165,658 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of QA Automation Architect salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 |
View More
|
| 2023 | $166,432 |
| 2024 | $166,866 |
| 2025 | $165,658 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
|
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for QA Automation Architect roles, with salaries approximately 10% above the market median.
Salary.com provides salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons using data from employer job postings and third-party sources.
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