Technology Maryland (MD) Rank #8 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Maryland

The median qa engineer salary in Maryland is $104,400 per year, which is 16.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$104,400
vs National
+$14,400
State Rank
#8 of 50
Cost of Living
110%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Maryland (2026)

Maryland ranks #8 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. This places Maryland in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for qa engineers seeking high pay. At $104,400 per year, qa engineers in Maryland earn $14,400 more than the national median of $90,000.

It's worth noting that Maryland's cost of living is 110% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $104,400 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $94,909.

The salary spread in Maryland is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $63,800, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $164,720 — a $100,920 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Maryland for this role is Silver Spring, where the median reaches $115,200.

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 Maryland and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Maryland by Experience

In Maryland, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $67,280, while experienced professionals earn up to $156,600 per year. The cost of living index in Maryland is 110% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$67,280
+$9,280 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$106,720
+$14,720 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$156,600
+$21,600 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Maryland

Percentile MD Salary
10th Percentile $63,800
25th Percentile $83,520
Median (50th) $104,400
75th Percentile $136,880
90th Percentile $164,720

QA Engineer Salary by City in Maryland

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Maryland include Baltimore, Columbia, Silver Spring, and Germantown. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Maryland

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Maryland

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Maryland

How much does a QA Engineer make in Maryland? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Maryland is $104,400 per year, which is 16.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $63,800 (10th percentile) to $164,720 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Maryland? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $104,400, a qa engineer in Maryland earns approximately $50 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Maryland a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Maryland ranks #8 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 110% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $67,280, while senior professionals earn $156,600.
How does Maryland compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Maryland's median of $104,400 ranks #8 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Alaska ($108,900) and New Jersey ($108,900).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Maryland? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Maryland earns approximately $67,280 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $106,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $156,600.
What city in Maryland pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Silver Spring is the highest paying city in Maryland for qa engineers, with a median salary of $115,200. Other cities include Baltimore and Columbia.