Amazon, Microsoft, Boeing — no state income tax. Here's how QA / Test Engineers in Seattle get paid in 2026.
How pay scales with career stage in the Seattle metro market.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $99,400 | $75,600 | $129,200 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $123,600 | $93,900 | $160,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $142,100 | $108,000 | $184,700 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $170,500 | $129,600 | $221,600 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $193,200 | $146,800 | $251,100 |
Highest-paying metros for QA / Test Engineers — useful if you're weighing a relocation.
Top occupations by median pay across the Seattle metro economy.
The average QA / Test Engineer salary in the Seattle metro is $142,100 per year as of 2026, with a typical range of $108,000 to $184,700 (25th–75th percentile). Top earners (90th percentile) make $234,400 or more.
Yes — Seattle pays +6% relative to the Washington 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.
Seattle vs. national: +38%. That puts Seattle among the stronger US markets for QA / Test Engineers — though cost of living in Seattle is also typically elevated.
In Seattle, the median QA / Test Engineer salary of $142,100 typically corresponds to 5–9 years of experience (mid-level). Entry-level QA / Test Engineers in Seattle start around $99,400, while seniors (10+ years) reach $170,500 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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