Healthcare HQs (HCA), music, tech relocation. Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Nashville get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Nashville metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $68,300 | $51,900 | $88,800 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $84,900 | $64,500 | $110,400 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $97,600 | $74,200 | $126,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $117,100 | $89,000 | $152,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $132,700 | $100,900 | $172,500 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Nashville metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Nashville metro is $97,600 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $74,200 to $126,900 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $161,100 or more.
Yes — Nashville pays +5% relative to the Tennessee 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.
Nashville vs. national: -5%. Nashville pays roughly in line with the national average for QA / Test Engineers. Whether that's a 'good' deal depends on local cost of living and your career stage.
In Nashville, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $97,600 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Nashville start around $68,300, while seniors (10+ years) reach $117,100 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.
Get my personal salary report →