Technology Arkansas (AR) Rank #48 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Arkansas

The median qa engineer salary in Arkansas is $70,200 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$70,200
vs National
$-19,800
State Rank
#48 of 50
Cost of Living
84%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Arkansas (2026)

Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Arkansas are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $70,200 per year, qa engineers in Arkansas earn $19,800 less than the national median of $90,000.

A key advantage of working in Arkansas is its below-average cost of living (84% of the national index). This means the $70,200 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $83,571 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Arkansas is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $42,900, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $110,760 — a $67,860 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Arkansas for this role is Fayetteville, where the median reaches $73,800.

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). This strong growth suggests increasing demand and competitive salaries in Arkansas and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Arkansas by Experience

In Arkansas, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $45,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $105,300 per year. The cost of living index in Arkansas is 84% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$45,240
$-12,760 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$71,760
$-20,240 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$105,300
$-29,700 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Arkansas

Percentile AR Salary
10th Percentile $42,900
25th Percentile $56,160
Median (50th) $70,200
75th Percentile $92,040
90th Percentile $110,760

QA Engineer Salary by City in Arkansas

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Arkansas include Little Rock, Fort Smith, Fayetteville, and Springdale. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Arkansas

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Arkansas has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Arkansas

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Arkansas's demand may vary based on local industry trends.

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Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $35,100 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Arkansas

How much does a QA Engineer make in Arkansas? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Arkansas is $70,200 per year, which is 22% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $42,900 (10th percentile) to $110,760 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Arkansas? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $70,200, a qa engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $34 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Arkansas a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Arkansas ranks #48 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 84% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $45,240, while senior professionals earn $105,300.
How does Arkansas compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Arkansas's median of $70,200 ranks #48 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alabama ($73,800) and Oklahoma ($73,800).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Arkansas? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Arkansas earns approximately $45,240 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $71,760. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $105,300.
What city in Arkansas pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Fayetteville is the highest paying city in Arkansas for qa engineers, with a median salary of $73,800. Other cities include Little Rock and Fort Smith.