Technology Michigan (MI) Rank #32 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Michigan

The median qa engineer salary in Michigan is $81,000 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$81,000
vs National
$-9,000
State Rank
#32 of 50
Cost of Living
90%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Michigan (2026)

Michigan ranks #32 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Michigan are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $81,000 per year, qa engineers in Michigan earn $9,000 less than the national median of $90,000.

A key advantage of working in Michigan is its below-average cost of living (90% of the national index). This means the $81,000 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $90,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Michigan is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $49,500, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $127,800 — a $78,300 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Michigan for this role is Ann Arbor, where the median reaches $94,500.

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 Michigan and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Michigan by Experience

In Michigan, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $52,200, while experienced professionals earn up to $121,500 per year. The cost of living index in Michigan is 90% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,200
$-5,800 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$82,800
$-9,200 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$121,500
$-13,500 vs national

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Salary Percentiles in Michigan

Percentile MI Salary
10th Percentile $49,500
25th Percentile $64,800
Median (50th) $81,000
75th Percentile $106,200
90th Percentile $127,800

QA Engineer Salary by City in Michigan

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Michigan include Detroit, Grand Rapids, Ann Arbor, and Warren. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Michigan

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Michigan

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

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Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $40,500 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Michigan

How much does a QA Engineer make in Michigan? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Michigan is $81,000 per year, which is 10% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $49,500 (10th percentile) to $127,800 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Michigan? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,000, a qa engineer in Michigan earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Michigan a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Michigan ranks #32 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 90% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $52,200, while senior professionals earn $121,500.
How does Michigan compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Michigan's median of $81,000 ranks #32 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Wisconsin ($82,800) and Montana ($81,900).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Michigan? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Michigan earns approximately $52,200 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $82,800. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $121,500.
What city in Michigan pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Ann Arbor is the highest paying city in Michigan for qa engineers, with a median salary of $94,500. Other cities include Detroit and Grand Rapids.