Technology Cambridge, MA Pop. 118,403

QA Engineer Salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts

The median qa engineer salary in Cambridge, MA is $153,000 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median and 17.2% above the Massachusetts state average.

City Median
$153,000
vs State Avg
+$22,500
vs National
+$63,000
Cost of Living
160%

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

Cambridge offers a median qa engineer salary of $153,000, which is $22,500 above the Massachusetts state average of $130,500. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Cambridge pays above average for this role.

However, Cambridge's cost of living index is 160%, significantly above the national average. After adjusting for local costs, the $153,000 salary has an effective purchasing power of approximately $95,625. Housing, transportation, and food costs in Cambridge should be factored into any relocation or job-change decision.

The salary range for qa engineers in Cambridge spans from $93,500 at the 10th percentile to $241,400 at the 90th percentile — a $147,900 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $98,600, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $229,500. With a population of 118,403, Cambridge is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

QA Engineer Salary in Cambridge by Experience

In Cambridge, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $98,600, while experienced professionals earn up to $229,500 per year. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$98,600
+$40,600 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$156,400
+$64,400 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$229,500
+$94,500 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Cambridge, MA

Percentile Cambridge
10th Percentile $93,500
25th Percentile $122,400
Median (50th) $153,000
75th Percentile $200,600
90th Percentile $241,400

QA Engineer Salary in Other Massachusetts Cities

Boston, MA
$145,800
Pop. 675,647
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 Cambridge

Education

Most qa engineer positions require a bachelor's degree. Cambridge 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 Cambridge may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Cambridge

Browse open qa engineer positions in Cambridge, MA:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Cambridge

How much does a QA Engineer make in Cambridge, MA? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Cambridge, Massachusetts is $153,000 per year, which is 70.0% above the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $93,500 (10th percentile) to $241,400 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Cambridge? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $153,000, a qa engineer in Cambridge earns approximately $74 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Cambridge compare to the Massachusetts state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Cambridge's median qa engineer salary of $153,000 is 17.2% above the Massachusetts state average of $130,500. The local cost of living index is 160% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Cambridge, MA? ▼
Cambridge has a cost of living index of 160% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $153,000 in Cambridge has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Cambridge? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Cambridge 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.