Technology Los Angeles, CA Pop. 3,898,747

QA Engineer Salary in Los Angeles, California

The median qa engineer salary in Los Angeles, CA is $144,900 per year, which is 61.0% above the national median and 5.2% above the California state average.

City Median
$144,900
vs State Avg
+$7,200
vs National
+$54,900
Cost of Living
146%

QA Engineer Pay in Los Angeles: What to Expect (2026)

Los Angeles offers a median qa engineer salary of $144,900, which is $7,200 above the California state average of $137,700. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Los Angeles pays above average for this role.

However, Los Angeles's cost of living index is 146%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $144,900 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $99,247. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Los Angeles should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for qa engineers in Los Angeles spans from $88,550 at the 10th percentile to $228,620 at the 90th percentile — a $140,070 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,380, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $217,350. As a major metro area with a population of 3,898,747, Los Angeles typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

QA Engineer Salary in Los Angeles by Experience

In Los Angeles, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $93,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $217,350 per year. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,380
+$35,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$148,120
+$56,120 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$217,350
+$82,350 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Los Angeles, CA

Percentile Los Angeles
10th Percentile $88,550
25th Percentile $115,920
Median (50th) $144,900
75th Percentile $189,980
90th Percentile $228,620

QA Engineer Salary in Other California Cities

San Francisco, CA
$177,300
Pop. 873,965
San Jose, CA
$164,700
Pop. 1,013,240
San Diego, CA
$141,300
Pop. 1,386,932
Sacramento, CA
$119,700
Pop. 524,943

How to Become a QA Engineer in Los Angeles

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Los Angeles and the surrounding California area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Los Angeles may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Los Angeles

Browse open qa engineer positions in Los Angeles, CA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Los Angeles

How much does a QA Engineer make in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Los Angeles, California is $144,900 per year, which is 61.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $88,550 (10th percentile) to $228,620 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Los Angeles? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $144,900, a qa engineer in Los Angeles earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Los Angeles compare to the California state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Los Angeles's median qa engineer salary of $144,900 is 5.2% above the California state average of $137,700. The local cost of living index is 146% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Los Angeles, CA? ▼
Los Angeles has a cost of living index of 146% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $144,900 in Los Angeles has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Los Angeles? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Los Angeles require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Test Automation, Selenium, JIRA, SQL. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.