QA Engineer Salary in Iowa
The median qa engineer salary in Iowa is $77,400 per year, which is 14% below the national median of $90,000.
QA Engineer Salary Overview in Iowa (2026)
Iowa ranks #40 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Iowa are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $77,400 per year, qa engineers in Iowa earn $12,600 less than the national median of $90,000.
A key advantage of working in Iowa is its below-average cost of living (89% of the national index). This means the $77,400 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $86,966 in an average-cost area.
The salary spread in Iowa is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $47,300, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $122,120 — a $74,820 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Iowa for this role is Iowa City, where the median reaches $82,800.
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 Iowa and beyond.
QA Engineer Salary in Iowa by Experience
In Iowa, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $49,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $116,100 per year. The cost of living index in Iowa is 89% of the national average.
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See Investment Options →Salary Percentiles in Iowa
| Percentile | IA Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $47,300 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,920 |
| Median (50th) | $77,400 |
| 75th Percentile | $101,480 |
| 90th Percentile | $122,120 |
QA Engineer Salary by City in Iowa
The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Iowa include Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, Davenport, and Sioux City. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.
How to Become a QA Engineer in Iowa
Education
Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Iowa has several accredited institutions offering relevant programs.
Key Skills
Job Outlook in Iowa
Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Iowa'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 $38,700 over your career trajectory.
Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →Open to QA Engineer Roles in Iowa?
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