Technology Massachusetts (MA) Rank #3 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

The median qa engineer salary in Massachusetts is $130,500 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$130,500
vs National
+$40,500
State Rank
#3 of 50
Cost of Living
135%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Massachusetts (2026)

Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. This places Massachusetts in the top tier nationally, making it one of the best states for qa engineers seeking high pay. At $130,500 per year, qa engineers in Massachusetts earn $40,500 more than the national median of $90,000.

It's worth noting that Massachusetts's cost of living is 135% of the national average, which reduces the real purchasing power of the $130,500 salary. After adjusting for cost of living, the effective salary is closer to $96,667.

The salary spread in Massachusetts is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $79,750, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $205,900 — a $126,150 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Massachusetts for this role is Cambridge, where the median reaches $153,000.

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 Massachusetts and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Massachusetts by Experience

In Massachusetts, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $84,100, while experienced professionals earn up to $195,750 per year. The cost of living index in Massachusetts is 135% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$84,100
+$26,100 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$133,400
+$41,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$195,750
+$60,750 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Massachusetts

Percentile MA Salary
10th Percentile $79,750
25th Percentile $104,400
Median (50th) $130,500
75th Percentile $171,100
90th Percentile $205,900

QA Engineer Salary by City in Massachusetts

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Massachusetts include Boston, Worcester, Springfield, and Cambridge. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Massachusetts

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Massachusetts

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

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Massachusetts

How much does a QA Engineer make in Massachusetts? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Massachusetts is $130,500 per year, which is 45.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $79,750 (10th percentile) to $205,900 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Massachusetts? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $130,500, a qa engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $63 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Massachusetts a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Massachusetts ranks #3 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 135% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $84,100, while senior professionals earn $195,750.
How does Massachusetts compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Massachusetts's median of $130,500 ranks #3 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Hawaii ($148,500) and California ($137,700).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Massachusetts? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Massachusetts earns approximately $84,100 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $133,400. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $195,750.
What city in Massachusetts pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Cambridge is the highest paying city in Massachusetts for qa engineers, with a median salary of $153,000. Other cities include Boston and Worcester.