Technology Denver, CO Pop. 715,522

QA Engineer Salary in Denver, Colorado

The median qa engineer salary in Denver, CO is $108,000 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median and 6.2% above the Colorado state average.

City Median
$108,000
vs State Avg
+$6,300
vs National
+$18,000
Cost of Living
112%

QA Engineer Pay in Denver: What to Expect (2026)

Denver offers a median qa engineer salary of $108,000, which is $6,300 above the Colorado state average of $101,700. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Denver pays above average for this role.

However, Denver's cost of living index is 112%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $108,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $96,429. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Denver should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for qa engineers in Denver spans from $66,000 at the 10th percentile to $170,400 at the 90th percentile — a $104,400 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $69,600, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $162,000. As a major metro area with a population of 715,522, Denver typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

QA Engineer Salary in Denver by Experience

In Denver, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $69,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $162,000 per year. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$69,600
+$11,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$110,400
+$18,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$162,000
+$27,000 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Denver, CO

Percentile Denver
10th Percentile $66,000
25th Percentile $86,400
Median (50th) $108,000
75th Percentile $141,600
90th Percentile $170,400

QA Engineer Salary in Other Colorado Cities

How to Become a QA Engineer in Denver

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Denver and the surrounding Colorado 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 Denver may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Denver

Browse open qa engineer positions in Denver, CO:

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Denver

How much does a QA Engineer make in Denver, CO? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Denver, Colorado is $108,000 per year, which is 20.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $66,000 (10th percentile) to $170,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Denver? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $108,000, a qa engineer in Denver earns approximately $52 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Denver compare to the Colorado state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Denver's median qa engineer salary of $108,000 is 6.2% above the Colorado state average of $101,700. The local cost of living index is 112% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Denver, CO? ▼
Denver has a cost of living index of 112% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $108,000 in Denver has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Denver? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Denver 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.