What is the hourly rate of a QA Engineer?
|
Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
| 75th Percentile |
$96,111 |
$8,009 |
$1,848 |
$46 |
| Average |
$88,551 |
$7,379 |
$1,703 |
$43 |
| 25th Percentile |
$81,709 |
$6,809 |
$1,571 |
$39 |
Use our Salary Calculator to explore typical earnings for a QA Engineer, including an hourly rate of $43, weekly pay of $1,703, monthly pay of $7,379, and an annual salary of $88,551.
Based on Salary IQ data from real job postings, this tool helps you convert a salary between its hourly, weekly, biweekly, monthly, and annually.
What is the pay difference between an Entry QA Engineer and an Expert QA Engineer?
Experience and job level are key drivers of a QA Engineer's salary.
Entry QA Engineers earn around $86,304, while Intermediate QA Engineers make $86,508.
Senior QA Engineers see salaries rise to $89,115, and Expert QA Engineers can earn up to $92,500.
These numbers show a clear trend: as experience grows, so does earning potential. This reflects the IT industry's strong value placed on experience level.
| Levels |
Salary |
|
Entry Level QA Engineer
|
$86,304
|
|
Intermediate Level QA Engineer
|
$86,508
|
|
Senior Level QA Engineer
|
$89,115
|
|
Specialist Level QA Engineer
|
$92,275
|
|
Expert Level QA Engineer
|
$92,500
|
$86,304
0 yr
$86,508
< 2 yrs
$89,115
2-4 yrs
$92,275
5-8 yrs
$92,500
> 8 yrs
|
Entry Level
|
3%
|
|
Mid Level
|
2%
|
|
Senior Level
|
1%
|
|
Top Level
|
4%
|
|
Experienced
|
4%
|
View as graph
View as table
What is the salary trend for QA Engineer?
As we look ahead to 2025, the salary trend for QA Engineers in the US is projected to show a steady increase. The average salary is expected to reach around $90,000, with a median rate of approximately $85,000. This reflects a salary increase percentage of about 5% annually, driven by the growing demand for quality assurance in software development. Companies are investing more in QA roles to ensure product reliability, making this a promising field for job seekers. Stay informed to leverage these trends for career growth!
Which skills can increase the salary of a QA Engineer?
Skills that can significantly increase the salary of a QA Engineer include Test Automation (25% increase, average salary $22,138), API Testing (20% increase, average salary $17,710), and Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) (20% increase, average salary $17,710). Other impactful skills are Performance Testing and Test Case Design (both 15% increase, average salary $13,283). The median salary for these skills reflects their demand in the industry, as they enhance efficiency and quality in software development, leading to higher compensation for professionals proficient in these areas.
Average QA Engineer Salary by Company Size
Company size significantly impacts the salary of a QA Engineer. In smaller companies (1-50 employees), salaries typically range from $60,000 to $80,000, with a median of $70,000. Medium-sized firms (51-500 employees) offer $70,000 to $100,000, with a median of $85,000. Larger companies (500+ employees) often pay between $90,000 and $130,000, with a median of $110,000.
Top companies for QA Engineers include Google, Amazon, and Microsoft. Google offers a salary range of $100,000 to $150,000, with a median salary of around $120,000. Amazon's range is $90,000 to $140,000, with a median of $110,000. Microsoft pays between $95,000 and $145,000, with a median of $115,000. These companies pay higher due to their focus on innovation, competitive market positioning, and the critical role QA Engineers play in ensuring product quality and user satisfaction.
Does education make a difference in salary for a QA Engineer?
Education significantly impacts QA Engineer salaries. Those with an Associate's Degree earn an average of $77,482, while High School Diploma holders make around $66,413. Interestingly, individuals without a degree can earn even more, averaging $88,551. Investing in education can enhance career prospects and salary potential in the tech industry.
| Educaton Level | Average Salary(Annual) |
| Associate's Degree | 77,481.96 |
| High School Diploma or Technical Certificate | 66,413.11 |
| I have not earned a degree | 88,550.82 |