QA Engineer Salary in Chicago, Illinois
The median qa engineer salary in Chicago, IL is $100,800 per year, which is 12.0% above the national median and 12.0% above the Illinois state average.
QA Engineer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)
Chicago offers a median qa engineer salary of $100,800, which is $10,800 above the Illinois state average of $90,000. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Chicago pays above average for this role.
Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.
The salary range for qa engineers in Chicago spans from $61,600 at the 10th percentile to $159,040 at the 90th percentile — a $97,440 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $64,960, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $151,200. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.
QA Engineer Salary in Chicago by Experience
In Chicago, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $64,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $151,200 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL
| Percentile | Chicago |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $61,600 |
| 25th Percentile | $80,640 |
| Median (50th) | $100,800 |
| 75th Percentile | $132,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $159,040 |
QA Engineer Salary in Other Illinois Cities
How to Become a QA Engineer in Chicago
Education
Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook
Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.
Find QA Engineer Jobs in Chicago
Browse open qa engineer positions in Chicago, IL: