Technology Missouri (MO) Rank #36 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Missouri

The median qa engineer salary in Missouri is $79,200 per year, which is 12% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$79,200
vs National
$-10,800
State Rank
#36 of 50
Cost of Living
88%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Missouri (2026)

Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Missouri are below the national median, though the lower cost of living can offset the difference. At $79,200 per year, qa engineers in Missouri earn $10,800 less than the national median of $90,000.

A key advantage of working in Missouri is its below-average cost of living (88% of the national index). This means the $79,200 salary has the purchasing power of roughly $90,000 in an average-cost area.

The salary spread in Missouri is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $48,400, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $124,960 — a $76,560 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Missouri for this role is Kansas City, where the median reaches $82,800.

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 Missouri and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Missouri by Experience

In Missouri, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $51,040, while experienced professionals earn up to $118,800 per year. The cost of living index in Missouri 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

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Salary Percentiles in Missouri

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

QA Engineer Salary by City in Missouri

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Missouri include Kansas City, Saint Louis, Springfield, and Columbia. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Missouri

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Missouri

Nationally, qa engineer employment is projected to grow 15% over the next decade (much faster than average). Missouri'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 $39,600 over your career trajectory.

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Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Missouri

How much does a QA Engineer make in Missouri? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Missouri 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 Missouri? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $79,200, a qa engineer in Missouri earns approximately $38 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Missouri a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Missouri ranks #36 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 88% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $51,040, while senior professionals earn $118,800.
How does Missouri compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Missouri's median of $79,200 ranks #36 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include Tennessee ($80,100) and Indiana ($79,200).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Missouri? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Missouri earns approximately $51,040 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $80,960. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $118,800.
What city in Missouri pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Kansas City is the highest paying city in Missouri for qa engineers, with a median salary of $82,800. Other cities include Saint Louis and Springfield.