Fortune 500 hub (Target, Best Buy, 3M, UnitedHealth). Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Minneapolis get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Minneapolis metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $80,100 | $60,800 | $104,100 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $99,600 | $75,600 | $129,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $114,500 | $87,000 | $148,800 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $137,400 | $104,400 | $178,500 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $155,700 | $118,300 | $202,300 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Minneapolis metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Minneapolis metro is $114,500 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $87,000 to $148,800 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $188,900 or more.
Yes — Minneapolis pays +3% relative to the Minnesota 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.
Minneapolis vs. national: +11%. That puts Minneapolis among the stronger US markets for QA / Test Engineers — though cost of living in Minneapolis is also typically elevated.
In Minneapolis, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $114,500 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Minneapolis start around $80,100, while seniors (10+ years) reach $137,400 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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