Pharma, education, healthcare — historic East Coast hub. Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Philadelphia get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Philadelphia metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $77,200 | $58,700 | $100,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $96,000 | $72,900 | $124,800 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $110,400 | $83,900 | $143,500 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $132,400 | $100,600 | $172,200 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $150,100 | $114,100 | $195,100 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Philadelphia metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Philadelphia metro is $110,400 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $83,900 to $143,500 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $182,100 or more.
Yes — Philadelphia pays +3% relative to the Pennsylvania 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.
Philadelphia vs. national: +7%. Philadelphia 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 Philadelphia, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $110,400 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Philadelphia start around $77,200, while seniors (10+ years) reach $132,400 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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