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Manual QA Engineer Salary in Kentucky

How much does a Manual QA Engineer make in Kentucky?

As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for a Manual QA Engineer in Kentucky is $70,735 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $34.

However, a Manual QA Engineer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:

  • Top Earners (90th percentile): $80,756
  • Majority Range (25th-75th percentile): $64,805 to $75,981
  • Entry-Level (10th percentile): $59,406
Salary Factors Salary by Experience Related Job Salaries Top Paying Cities Explore Related Jobs

Key Factors That Influence Manual QA Engineer Salaries

A Manual QA 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 and company size can directly affect your earning potential.

How Experience Level Affects Manual QA Engineer Salaries?

Experience is a primary driver of a Manual QA 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:

  • Entry-Level (less than 1 year): $70,350
  • Early Career (1-2 years): $82,801
  • Mid-Level (2-4 years): $93,653
  • Senior-Level (5-8 years): $116,488
  • Expert (over 8 years): $139,757
Levels Salary
Manual QA... Level Manual QA Engineer$70,350
Quality A... Level Manual QA Engineer$82,801
Quality A... Level Manual QA Engineer$93,653
Quality A... Level Manual QA Engineer$116,488
Quality A... Level Manual QA Engineer$139,757
View as Graph

How Do Manual QA Engineer Salaries Vary from State to State?

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 Manual QA Engineers. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
  • District of Columbia: $83,229.
  • California: $82,913.
  • Massachusetts: $81,808.

Top Paying Cities for Manual QA Engineers

Salaries can also vary between different cities. Major metropolitan areas or cities with a high demand for technicians often offer more competitive pay. Here are a few examples of average annual salaries in different U.S. cities:

  • Graham: $68,297
  • Greenville: $68,061
  • Hartford: $68,417

Manual QA Engineer Salary by Industry: Top Paying Sectors

For Manual QA Engineer roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 35% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Financial Services and Pharmaceuticals sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 20% above the average. In contrast, Manual QA Engineer positions in Telecom or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view Manual QA Engineer as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.

The top paying industries for a Manual QA Engineer

Industry Sector Average Annual Salary Average Hourly Rate Pay vs.Avg
Financial Services$84,883$41.020%
Pharmaceuticals$84,883$41.020%
Biotechnology$81,346$39.015%
Energy & Utilities$77,809$37.010%
Aerospace & Defense$74,272$36.05%

Manual QA Engineer Salary: Hourly Rate, Weekly Pay, and Monthly Pay

Understanding how a Manual QA 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 September 01, 2026
$64,805
Average $70,735/year
$75,981
$5,400
Average $5,895/month
$6,332
$1,246
Average $1,360/week
$1,461
$31
Average $34/hour
$37
Annual Salary Monthly Pay Weekly Pay Hourly Wage
75th Percentile $75,981 $6,332 $1,461 $37
Average $70,735 $5,895 $1,360 $34
25th Percentile $64,805 $5,400 $1,246 $31

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Where Does Our Salary Data Come From?

Salary.com salary estimates, histograms, trends, and comparisons are derived from both employer job postings and third-party data sources. We also provide multiple percentiles of salary information for your reference, click here to know Why the Salary Midpoint Formula Is Crucial to Getting Pay Equity Right. With more online, real-time compensation data than any other website, Salary.com helps you determine your exact pay target.

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