Technology Colorado (CO) Rank #11 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Colorado

The median qa engineer salary in Colorado is $101,700 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$101,700
vs National
+$11,700
State Rank
#11 of 50
Cost of Living
105%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Colorado (2026)

Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. Colorado falls in the middle of the pack for qa engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $101,700 per year, qa engineers in Colorado earn $11,700 more than the national median of $90,000.

Colorado's cost of living is near the national average at 105%, meaning qa engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Colorado is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $62,150, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $160,460 — a $98,310 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Colorado for this role is Boulder, where the median reaches $122,400.

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 Colorado and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Colorado by Experience

In Colorado, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $65,540, while experienced professionals earn up to $152,550 per year. The cost of living index in Colorado is 105% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$65,540
+$7,540 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$103,960
+$11,960 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$152,550
+$17,550 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Colorado

Percentile CO Salary
10th Percentile $62,150
25th Percentile $81,360
Median (50th) $101,700
75th Percentile $133,340
90th Percentile $160,460

QA Engineer Salary by City in Colorado

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Colorado include Denver, Colorado Springs, Aurora, and Fort Collins. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Colorado

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Colorado

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Colorado

How much does a QA Engineer make in Colorado? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Colorado is $101,700 per year, which is 13.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $62,150 (10th percentile) to $160,460 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Colorado? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $101,700, a qa engineer in Colorado earns approximately $49 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Colorado a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Colorado ranks #11 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 105% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $65,540, while senior professionals earn $152,550.
How does Colorado compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Colorado's median of $101,700 ranks #11 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Oregon ($104,400) and Connecticut ($103,500).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Colorado? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Colorado earns approximately $65,540 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $103,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $152,550.
What city in Colorado pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Boulder is the highest paying city in Colorado for qa engineers, with a median salary of $122,400. Other cities include Denver and Colorado Springs.