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As of August 01, 2026, the average salary for a QA Engineer 2 in Illinois is $68,405 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $33.
However, a QA Engineer 2's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
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QA Engineer 2 Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
| 75th Percentile | $74,514 | $6,210 | $1,433 | $36 |
| Average | $68,405 | $5,700 | $1,315 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,681 | $5,057 | $1,167 | $29 |
Miller Cooper - Chicago, IL
Iterna LLC - Bolingbrook, IL
binance - Peru, IL
Keeper Security, Inc. - Chicago, IL
A QA Engineer 2'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.
Experience is a primary driver of a QA Engineer 2'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 |
|---|---|
| QA Engine... Level QA Engineer 2 | $67,956 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer 2 | $82,608 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer 2 | $99,983 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer 2 | $124,739 |
| Quality A... Level QA Engineer 2 | $150,975 |
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 Engineer 2s. For example, consider the average annual salaries in these key locations:
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:
For QA Engineer 2 roles, the industry you choose can affect earning potential by as much as 65% (the gap between the highest and lowest paying industries). Data shows that the Biotechnology and Energy & Utilities sectors offer the strongest compensation, at 30% above the average. In contrast, QA Engineer positions in Transportation or Retail & Wholesale typically offer lower base pay, as these industries often view QA Engineer 2 as a support function rather than a direct revenue driver.
| Industry Sector | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Rate | Pay vs.Avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biotechnology | $88,927 | $43.0 | 30% |
| Energy & Utilities | $85,507 | $41.0 | 25% |
| Financial Services | $82,086 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Pharmaceuticals | $82,086 | $39.0 | 20% |
| Software & Networking | $82,086 | $39.0 | 20% |
Understanding how a QA Engineer 2'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.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $74,514 | $6,210 | $1,433 | $36 |
| Average | $68,405 | $5,700 | $1,315 | $33 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,681 | $5,057 | $1,167 | $29 |
Ready to take the next step in your career? Browse thousands of current QA Engineer 2 job openings on our job board. Use the search bar below to find your perfect match.
Keeper Security
Chicago, IL
Keeper Security | Chicago, IL
Keeper Connection Manager (KCM) Team Senior Qa EngineerWe are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior QA Engineer to join our Keeper Connection M... more
10 Days Ago
Constellation Energy
SAINT LEONARD, MD
Constellation Energy
LEXINGTON PARK, MD
Koch Foods
LINDENWALD, OH
Koch Foods | LINDENWALD, OH
KOCH FOODS is seeking a Poultry QA Supervisor to lead quality and food safety programs in our manufacturing facility. This role oversees QA technicians, mo... more
14 Days Ago
Constellation Energy
MARSHALLTON, DE
Constellation Energy
LUSBY, MD
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