Finance, manufacturing, healthcare — Midwest's premier hub. Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Chicago get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Chicago metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $81,400 | $61,800 | $105,900 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $101,100 | $76,900 | $131,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $116,300 | $88,400 | $151,300 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $139,500 | $106,000 | $181,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $158,100 | $120,200 | $205,700 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Chicago metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Chicago metro is $116,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $88,400 to $151,300 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $192,000 or more.
Yes — Chicago pays +4% relative to the Illinois state median for QA / Test Engineers. Major metros typically concentrate higher-paying employers and command a wage premium over rural and small-city areas in the same state.
Chicago vs. national: +13%. That puts Chicago among the stronger US markets for QA / Test Engineers — though cost of living in Chicago is also typically elevated.
In Chicago, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $116,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Chicago start around $81,400, while seniors (10+ years) reach $139,500 or more.
Metro medians are useful benchmarks — but your exact number depends on your experience, education, and the specific employer. Run the free calculator for a personalized read.
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