Tests software, builds automation suites, owns release quality.
Pay scales steeply with tenure for QA / Test Engineers. National figures, before regional adjustments.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th Percentile | 75th Percentile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (0–1 yr) | $72,100 | $52,900 | $94,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $89,600 | $65,700 | $117,000 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $103,000 | $75,600 | $134,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $123,600 | $90,700 | $161,400 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $140,000 | $102,800 | $182,900 |
Top 10 states by median QA / Test Engineer salary in 2026.
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | $144,100 | $109,600 | $187,400 | +40% |
| Washington DC | $144,100 | $109,600 | $187,400 | +40% |
| Massachusetts | $133,800 | $101,700 | $174,000 | +30% |
| Washington | $133,800 | $101,700 | $174,000 | +30% |
| New Jersey | $129,700 | $98,600 | $168,700 | +26% |
| New York | $128,700 | $97,800 | $167,300 | +25% |
| Connecticut | $124,600 | $94,700 | $162,000 | +21% |
| Maryland | $123,600 | $93,900 | $160,600 | +20% |
| Colorado | $120,500 | $91,600 | $156,600 | +17% |
| Hawaii | $117,400 | $89,200 | $152,600 | +14% |
| State | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Nat'l |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kentucky | $87,500 | $66,500 | $113,800 | -15% |
| North Dakota | $86,500 | $65,700 | $112,400 | -16% |
| Oklahoma | $86,500 | $65,700 | $112,400 | -16% |
| Wyoming | $86,500 | $65,700 | $112,400 | -16% |
| Alabama | $85,500 | $64,900 | $111,100 | -17% |
| Louisiana | $85,500 | $64,900 | $111,100 | -17% |
| Arkansas | $82,400 | $62,600 | $107,100 | -20% |
| South Dakota | $82,400 | $62,600 | $107,100 | -20% |
| Mississippi | $80,300 | $61,000 | $104,400 | -22% |
| West Virginia | $80,300 | $61,000 | $104,400 | -22% |
Metro-level pay frequently outpaces state averages — major metros concentrate higher wages.
Click any state for detailed breakdown by experience level and percentile.
The median is just a benchmark. Your exact market value also depends on your state, experience, and education. Use the free calculator for a personalized number.
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