Technology Boston, MA Pop. 675,647

QA Engineer Salary in Boston, Massachusetts

The median qa engineer salary in Boston, MA is $145,800 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median and 11.7% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$145,800
vs State Avg
+$15,300
vs National
+$55,800
Cost of Living
152%

QA Engineer Pay in Boston: What to Expect (2026)

Boston offers a median qa engineer salary of $145,800, which is $15,300 above the Massachusetts state average of $130,500. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Boston pays above average for this role.

However, Boston's cost of living index is 152%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $145,800 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,921. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Boston should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for qa engineers in Boston spans from $89,100 at the 10th percentile to $230,040 at the 90th percentile — a $140,940 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $93,960, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $218,700. As a major metro area with a population of 675,647, Boston typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

QA Engineer Salary in Boston by Experience

In Boston, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $93,960, while experienced professionals earn up to $218,700 per year. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$93,960
+$35,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$149,040
+$57,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$218,700
+$83,700 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Boston, MA

Percentile Boston
10th Percentile $89,100
25th Percentile $116,640
Median (50th) $145,800
75th Percentile $191,160
90th Percentile $230,040

QA Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Cambridge, MA
$153,000
Pop. 118,403
Worcester, MA
$108,000
Pop. 206,518
Lowell, MA
$103,500
Pop. 115,554
Springfield, MA
$97,200
Pop. 155,929

How to Become a QA Engineer in Boston

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Boston and the surrounding Massachusetts area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Boston may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Boston

Browse open qa engineer positions in Boston, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Boston

How much does a QA Engineer make in Boston, MA? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Boston, Massachusetts is $145,800 per year, which is 62.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $89,100 (10th percentile) to $230,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Boston? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $145,800, a qa engineer in Boston earns approximately $70 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Boston compare to the Massachusetts state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Boston's median qa engineer salary of $145,800 is 11.7% above the Massachusetts state average of $130,500. The local cost of living index is 152% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Boston, MA? ▼
Boston has a cost of living index of 152% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $145,800 in Boston has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Boston? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Boston require a bachelor's degree. Key skills include Test Automation, Selenium, JIRA, SQL. The job market is projected to grow 15% nationally over the next decade.