Technology Detroit, MI Pop. 639,111

QA Engineer Salary in Detroit, Michigan

The median qa engineer salary in Detroit, MI is $79,200 per year, which is 12% below the national median and 2.2% below the Michigan state average.

City Median
$79,200
vs State Avg
$-1,800
vs National
$-10,800
Cost of Living
88%

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

Detroit offers a median qa engineer salary of $79,200, which is $1,800 below the Michigan state average of $81,000. Compared to the national median of $90,000, Detroit pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Detroit's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 88% of the national average. This means the $79,200 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $90,000 in an average-cost city. This makes Detroit an attractive option for qa engineers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for qa engineers in Detroit spans from $48,400 at the 10th percentile to $124,960 at the 90th percentile — a $76,560 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $51,040, while senior qa engineers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $118,800. As a major metro area with a population of 639,111, Detroit typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

QA Engineer Salary in Detroit by Experience

In Detroit, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$51,040
$-6,960 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$80,960
$-11,040 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$118,800
$-16,200 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Detroit, MI

Percentile Detroit
10th Percentile $48,400
25th Percentile $63,360
Median (50th) $79,200
75th Percentile $103,840
90th Percentile $124,960

QA Engineer Salary in Other Michigan Cities

Ann Arbor, MI
$94,500
Pop. 123,851
Grand Rapids, MI
$81,000
Pop. 198,917
Warren, MI
$79,200
Pop. 139,387
Lansing, MI
$77,400
Pop. 112,644

How to Become a QA Engineer in Detroit

Education

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

Find QA Engineer Jobs in Detroit

Browse open qa engineer positions in Detroit, MI:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Detroit

How much does a QA Engineer make in Detroit, MI? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Detroit, Michigan is $79,200 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $48,400 (10th percentile) to $124,960 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Detroit? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,200, a qa engineer in Detroit earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Detroit compare to the Michigan state average for qa engineer pay? ▼
Detroit's median qa engineer salary of $79,200 is 2.2% below the Michigan state average of $81,000. The local cost of living index is 88% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Detroit, MI? ▼
Detroit has a cost of living index of 88% compared to the national average. This means a qa engineer salary of $79,200 in Detroit has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a qa engineer in Detroit? ▼
Most qa engineer positions in Detroit 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.