QA Engineer Salary in Illinois
The median qa engineer salary in Illinois is $90,000 per year, which is 0.0% above the national median of $90,000.
QA Engineer Salary Overview in Illinois (2026)
Illinois ranks #18 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. Illinois falls in the middle of the pack for qa engineer pay, offering salaries near the national average. At $90,000 per year, qa engineers in Illinois earn $0 more than the national median of $90,000.
Illinois's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning qa engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.
The salary spread in Illinois is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $55,000, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $142,000 — a $87,000 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Illinois for this role is Naperville, where the median reaches $101,700.
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 Illinois and beyond.
QA Engineer Salary in Illinois by Experience
In Illinois, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $58,000, while experienced professionals earn up to $135,000 per year. The cost of living index in Illinois is 95% of the national average.
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See Investment Options →Salary Percentiles in Illinois
| Percentile | IL Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $55,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $72,000 |
| Median (50th) | $90,000 |
| 75th Percentile | $118,000 |
| 90th Percentile | $142,000 |
QA Engineer Salary by City in Illinois
The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Illinois include Chicago, Aurora, Naperville, and Rockford. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a QA Engineer in Illinois
Education
Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Illinois has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Illinois
Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Illinois's demand may vary based on local industry trends.
Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay
Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $45,000 over your career trajectory.
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