Outdoor lifestyle, aerospace, tech relocation magnet. Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Denver get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Denver metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $84,900 | $64,500 | $110,300 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $105,500 | $80,200 | $137,100 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $121,300 | $92,200 | $157,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $145,500 | $110,600 | $189,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $164,900 | $125,300 | $214,400 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Denver metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Denver metro is $121,300 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $92,200 to $157,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $200,100 or more.
Yes — Denver pays +1% relative to the Colorado 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.
Denver vs. national: +18%. That puts Denver among the stronger US markets for QA / Test Engineers — though cost of living in Denver is also typically elevated.
In Denver, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $121,300 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Denver start around $84,900, while seniors (10+ years) reach $145,500 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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