Technology Montana (MT) Rank #31 of 50

QA Engineer Salary in Montana

The median qa engineer salary in Montana is $81,900 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $90,000.

Median Salary
$81,900
vs National
$-8,100
State Rank
#31 of 50
Cost of Living
95%

QA Engineer Salary Overview in Montana (2026)

Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for qa engineer compensation. QA Engineer salaries in Montana are below the national median, though the higher cost of living makes this gap more significant. At $81,900 per year, qa engineers in Montana earn $8,100 less than the national median of $90,000.

Montana's cost of living is near the national average at 95%, meaning qa engineer salaries here translate closely to their face value in purchasing power.

The salary spread in Montana is significant: qa engineers at the 10th percentile earn $50,050, while those at the 90th percentile bring home $129,220 — a $79,170 gap that reflects differences in experience, specialization, employer type, and metro area. The highest-paying city in Montana for this role is Bozeman, where the median reaches $99,900.

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 Montana and beyond.

QA Engineer Salary in Montana by Experience

In Montana, an entry-level qa engineer earns around $52,780, while experienced professionals earn up to $122,850 per year. The cost of living index in Montana is 95% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$52,780
$-5,220 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$83,720
$-8,280 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$122,850
$-12,150 vs national

Build Wealth on Your Income

With a $81,900 income, financial advisors recommend investing 15–20% annually. Start building a diversified portfolio with as little as $10.

See Investment Options →

Salary Percentiles in Montana

Percentile MT Salary
10th Percentile $50,050
25th Percentile $65,520
Median (50th) $81,900
75th Percentile $107,380
90th Percentile $129,220

QA Engineer Salary by City in Montana

The largest employment areas for qa engineers in Montana include Billings, Missoula, Great Falls, and Bozeman. Salaries vary by city based on local cost of living and demand.

How to Become a QA Engineer in Montana

Education

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

Key Skills

Test AutomationSeleniumJIRASQLAPI TestingAgile

Job Outlook in Montana

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

Negotiate Your Way to Senior Pay

Data shows QA Engineers who negotiate earn 7–15% more. A single negotiation could add $40,950 over your career trajectory.

Get Negotiation Scripts — $197 →

Open to QA Engineer Roles in Montana?

Get matched with recruiters hiring qa engineers in Montana at competitive salaries.

Or browse positions directly:

Frequently Asked Questions: QA Engineer Salary in Montana

How much does a QA Engineer make in Montana? ▼
The median qa engineer salary in Montana is $81,900 per year, which is 9% below the national median of $90,000. Salaries range from $50,050 (10th percentile) to $129,220 (90th percentile).
How much does a QA Engineer make per hour in Montana? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $81,900, a qa engineer in Montana earns approximately $39 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
Is Montana a good state for qa engineers? ▼
Montana ranks #31 out of 50 states for qa engineer pay. The cost of living index is 95% of the national average. Entry-level qa engineers earn $52,780, while senior professionals earn $122,850.
How does Montana compare to other states for qa engineer salary? ▼
The highest paying state for qa engineers is Hawaii at $148,500. Montana's median of $81,900 ranks #31 nationally. Nearby-ranked states include New Mexico ($83,700) and Wisconsin ($82,800).
What is the entry-level qa engineer salary in Montana? ▼
An entry-level qa engineer in Montana earns approximately $52,780 per year. With 3-7 years of experience, pay increases to around $83,720. Senior-level professionals with 8+ years earn up to $122,850.
What city in Montana pays qa engineers the most? ▼
Bozeman is the highest paying city in Montana for qa engineers, with a median salary of $99,900. Other cities include Billings and Missoula.